After a decade working abroad, a Carleton journalism graduate made her debut Dec. 5 as the new host of Ottawa Morning on CBC Radio.
Robyn Bresnahan, who completed her journalism degree in 2001, began her career at Ottawa Morning as an associate producer.
She has reported from around the world, most recently working with the BBC. Last year, Bresnahan said she earned a Peabody Award nomination for her coverage of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Bresnahan said she’s enthusiastic about the new position and looks forward to bringing her international experience to Ottawa listeners.
“While local news is and always will be essential, I am keen to incorporate more international stories,” she said. “I think we sometimes forget that Ottawa is a very international city. We need to hear more of these stories from abroad.”
Bresnahan credits her studies at Carleton for inspiring her successful career.
“The journalism experience at Carleton, I consider to be pretty unique,” she said. “As a student, you know they are not just tossing words around. I felt very supported by them.”
Bresnahan’s success was celebrated by both students and faculty in Carleton’s journalism program.
“It is gratifying to see our journalism grads move back to Ottawa in senior positions, like Robyn has,” said Chris Waddell, director of the School of Journalism and Communication. “Bresnahan is a success story to inspire our current and upcoming graduates.”
Bresnahan said radio professor Mary McGuire recognized her talent from a young age and encouraged her to seriously pursue journalism.
McGuire said she’s “thrilled” about Bresnahan being offered the hosting position.
Perseverance is the key to success in journalism, according to Bresnahan.
“If you can’t get your foot in the door one place, find another door,” she said.