MissionThe HIMAs (AKA “The Maggies”) was committed to supporting the Hamilton community of independent journalists by hosting a yearly awards celebration. Through the awards the HIMAs sought to promote critical independent journalism in the City of Hamilton and beyond.
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Why were The Hamilton Independent Media Awards called “The Maggies”? Maggie Hughes (born Margaret Hewitt) was a well-known Hamilton independent journalist who produced and hosted a weekly radio show on CFMU called The Other Side. Maggie was an indelible fixture in the Hamilton activist community, and a tireless advocate for peace, social justice, the environment, and the rights of workers, women, indigenous peoples, and people with disabilities. She used her skills as a journalist to raise awareness of these important issues, and to shine a critical light onto stories overlooked by corporate media.Sadly, Maggie died on November 4, 2012, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Following her passing, friends and family wanted to honour Maggie and her life’s work. As a result, The Hamilton Independent Media Awards , “The Maggies” were born.