Saturday was a big night for the CTV Vancouver News team, claiming eight wins at the RTDNA B.C. Regional Awards - including the prestigious award for Best Television Newscast.

“Congratulations to the winners for the exceptionally high quality of work across all our regions” said RTDNA Canada President Ian Koenigsfest said in a statement.

“Despite another year of great challenges to our industry, journalists in Canada have once again displayed they can produce some of the best storytelling and journalism in the world. I am extremely proud of the level of excellence displayed with these award winning entries.”

The RTDNA Canada Awards “honour the best programs, stations and newsgathering organizations in radio, television and digital.”

CTV Vancouver won for Best Television Newscast, Diversity, Best Spot News for the coverage of the chemical fire at the Port of Vancouver last spring, Live Special Events, Creative Use of Video, the Continuing Coverage of the Tofino tragedy, Editorial / Commentary, and the Sports Award.

Assistant news director Ethan Faber accepted the Best Television Newscast, noting that CTV Vancouver has managed to increase ratings while maintaining the high quality of its journalism.

“We have 135, 140 people working, feeding their families, telling good stories, and serving their community when there’s a port fire and there’s toxic smoke pouring across East Vancouver,” Faber said.

“We’re just so proud to receive this award… You can still be good and you can grow your ratings at the same time.”