It’s been an incredible awards season for The Local, which got even better last night with two prizes at the prestigious National Magazine Awards. The Local’s senior editor Nicholas Hune-Brown won this year’s Editor Grand Prix and Danielle Groen won Silver in Short Feature Writing for “The Last 25 Percent.” The awards were announced at a virtual ceremony hosted by Kelly Boutsalis, former guest editor at The Local.

The Editor Grand Prix honours an individual who is making an outstanding impact on a magazine as an editor. “Nicholas Hune-Brown impressed for the quality of the writing about vital humanitarian issues he brought to The Local, as well as the fact that much of it was produced by up-and-coming writers he personally helped coach,” said the awards jury. “That generosity of spirit and community-mindedness is what will propel Canadian media out of its status quo.”

Hune-Brown has played a leading role in building The Local into one of the most respected publications in the industry. His fingerprints are on every single story we publish. Last year, Hune-Brown edited dozens of stories, giving each the same careful, magazine-style treatment. He’s made good work by veteran magazine writers great, and patiently worked with promising new writers on their very first published stories.

Working at a small magazine, Hune-Brown’s responsibilities have extended far beyond just editing stories. He spearheaded our Local Journalism Fellowship—creating a unique program for young journalists from communities underrepresented in Canadian media. He has also made it a priority to build the most freelancer-friendly publication in the country, with fair rates and same-day payment.

“This is such an honour and just a great recognition of the work The Local did last year,” said Hune-Brown. “I feel very lucky to work with Tai Huynh, Craig Madho, Inori Roy, and all the brilliant writers who make The Local what it is.”

Hune-Brown also won Gold in Investigative Reporting, for his story “Students for Sale” published by The Walrus.