Today marks a huge change in the format of the The Abbotsford News. And while the change from broadsheet to tabloid is a positive one, one thing will never change – the News’ dedication to excellence.

In 2008, the News earned two national and four provincial awards of excellence.

The News won three gold and one bronze award from the British Columbia and Yukon Newspapers Association (BCYCNA) at its annual year-end celebration.

News reporter Trudy Beyak won the Ralph Hall Feature Article Award for her story Children of the Genocide.

Also bringing back gold was entertainment editor Kevin Mills and graphic artist Cristine MacDonald. The duo won the Best Special Section Award (over 25,000 circulation) for the eight-page colour feature on the opening of The Reach Gallery Museum.

The third gold award went to graphic artist Denee VanDiermen for Best Ad Design (over 25,000). VanDiermen won for her Fraser Valley Auto Mall holiday ad.

Graphic artist Margot Goulding earned the Ad Campaign Collaborative bronze award for her work on Zammy’s Lingerie ads.

“These prestigious awards recognize newspaper staff for excellence in writing, design, and advertising and exemplify the passion and ability of staff here at the News,” said publisher Andrew Franklin.

Two national honours were also handed out.

The Canadian Community Newspapers Association (CCNA) presented the News with two bronze awards.

The Abbotsford Agrifair supplement took bronze in the Best Agricultural Edition (circulation 10,000 and over) and the News website (www.abbynews.com) won bronze for best website (circulation 12,500 and over.

Whether broadsheet, or now tabloid, the News will continue to strive to be the best.