STV and RGU launch the Donald John MacDonald Memorial Bursary

Monday 04 October 2021

It is announced that an annual bursary will be launched to commemorate Donald John MacDonald, former editor of STV North, and continue his legacy of supporting new entrants to journalism.

RGU will also award Donald John with a posthumous honorary degree, reflecting his dedication and expertise in his field and his commitment to support and inspire the next generation of journalists.

Throughout an esteemed career spanning five decades, Donald John was an enthusiastic supporter of future talent, generous with his time and the sharing of his experience and insights to inspire new entrants to the industry.

As Editor, STV North, Donald John developed a strong partnership between STV and the School of Creative and Cultural Business at RGU. The new bursary, which will be launched at the start of the 2021/22 academic session, will be awarded to the student who is judged to have delivered the best example of broadcast journalism coursework during Year 3 of study on the BA (Hons) Journalism course.

Dr Jo Royle, Dean of the School of Creative and Cultural Business, and Izzy Crawford, Academic Strategic Lead, will judge the nominated coursework and the bursary of £1,000 will be granted at RGU’s annual prizegiving ceremony in July to support the recipient’s final year of study.

Bobby Hain, Managing Director, Broadcast, STV, said: “All at STV continue to share a deep and profound loss at the untimely passing of Donald John. I hope the creation of this bursary will enable us to celebrate his passion for journalism and exceptional commitment to supporting new and emerging talent. It is fitting that Donald John’s legacy will serve to continue to strengthen the ties he created between STV and Robert Gordon University.”

Dr Jo Royle, Dean of School of Creative and Cultural Business, Robert Gordon University, said: “The Donald John MacDonald Memorial Bursary will celebrate and commemorate the outstanding contribution, passion, and inspiration that Donald John brought to RGU journalism students and staff over the course of many years.

“He is greatly missed by us all – we thoroughly enjoyed working with him and we are proud to continue his legacy with the Memorial Bursary.”