SABC News introduces Community Media Awards

28 May 2008

SABC News is launching the annual Community Media Awards to reward and recognise the excellent work achieved by South African journalists in community radio. The inaugural awards ceremony takes place on Friday, 30 May 2008, at the Theatre on the Track in Kyalami, Johannesburg.

The aim is to encourage community media to go beyond the call of duty and produce news and current affairs that meets the highest standard.

Bheki Khumalo, chairperson of the news committee, comments, “We are very dedicated to nurturing talent in the journalism industry. We believe that through the Community Media Awards a high calibre of authentic South African news leaders will be unearthed.”
While SABC News is a primary conduit of news on a national level, there are many dedicated community journalists who are not recognised or celebrated for their significant contribution.

There are nine different entry categories:

Best Presenter
Best Producer
Best Community Radio Station
Best Station Manager
Excellence in Journalism
Excellence in Broadcasting in Indigenous Languages
Excellence in Developmental Journalism
Excellence in in-depth News Coverage and Current Affairs and
Excellence in Investigative Journalism.

The winners of each category will receive R10 000 and a trophy; the best community radio station will win R15 000, a certificate and a trophy and the overall winner will win R20 000, a certificate and a trophy.

SABC News and its partners aim to enhance the status of the Community Media Awards in status and stature, so that they are recognised in the same vein as the SA Music Awards (SAMAs) and the Loeries.