RTS crowns CNN International as News Channel of the Year

The network's treatment of stories over the past year, from the intensifying conflict in the Middle East and the travails of the Eurozone, through to elections in the United States, Europe, and Asia, via extreme weather, the Olympics, the Diamond Jubilee and more, won the votes of the RTS jury.

Tony Maddox, Executive Vice President of CNN International, said: "The determination and fearlessness of our reporting is an immense source of pride for me, and this award is testament to those qualities. To be recognised by our peers in this way is also a great honour. Professional journalism has a more important role than ever in today's changing world, and the succinct, powerful coverage we've delivered underlines that value to our audiences."

The RTS Jury said: "This was a strong year for the winner. The Jury praised the channel for its distinctive coverage and energetic and vivid reporting. They were ahead of the curve in Pakistan interviewing Malala before she was later shot by the Taliban, and their interview with FIFA president Sepp Blatter became a major news story revealing racism in football at the highest level."

Syrian coverage proves to be a winner

CNN International was also nominated for Best News Coverage - International, for its coverage of the Syrian Uprising. The work of Arwa Damon and her team, smuggling their way into the besieged city of Homs to deliver a picture of the acute suffering endured by those trapped there, and Nick Paton Walsh's exposure of the destructive power of the Assad regime in Aleppo were among the many standout stories CNN brought to global attention.

Meanwhile Pedro Pinto received a nomination for Specialist Journalist of the Year, following a series of exclusive interviews with the likes of Jose Mourinho, Rafael Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo and his work exploring racism in football, including an extraordinary one on one with FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

The Royal Television Society (RTS) is Britain's leading forum for television and related media. The RTS Television Journalism Awards celebrate creative and excellent journalism in UK news and current affairs, both by organisations broadcasting in the UK and by companies that supply UK news broadcasters.