Media Excellence Awards To Be Given Today

Bhubaneswar: With a view to recognise the growing importance of work being done by print, broadcast (television and radio) and online news services and honour media professionals for their outstanding contributions in these fields, Media@Change, a forum of, by and for media professionals in Odisha, would be giving away the ‘Media Excellence Awards’ for the first time at a function to be held at Hotel Swosti Premium here on Friday.

“The awards will make a humble attempt to recognise and appreciate pioneering work of media professionals who demonstrate a passionate commitment in advancing quality journalism and promoting free and fair flow of news and exchange of opinions. The idea is to encourage working journalists and media practitioners to continue being committed to high standards in their profession,” convenor of Media@Change Dikhya Tiwari said.

Supported by an advisory board of eminent media professionals, PNV Foundation has facilitated formation of the forum, Media@Change, to help conduct the award ceremony every year. The forum also plans to pursue activities dedicated towards development of media in Odisha.

A jury comprising eminent media persons, academicians and distinguished citizens, have decided the names of the awardees in categories such as Best Reporter (English), Best Reporter (Odia), Best Photo Journalist, Best Feature Writer and Best Cartoonist/Illustrator for Print Media; Best Reporter, Best Video Journalist, Best Anchor (Male) and Best Anchor (Female) for Electronic Media and Best Web Journalist. That apart, two special awards – Lifetime Achievement Award and Outstanding Journalist (At National/International Level) will be given, Tiwari said.

The award distribution ceremony will be preceded by a quiz for media students and a conclave. The theme of the conclave will be “Muzzling the Media and the Future of Journalism.”  Minister, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Damodar Rout,  President, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee, Prasad Harichandan, Founder-Chairman, Eastern Media Limited, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Senior BJP Leader Pratap Chandra Sarangi and  President, Utkal Bharat, Kharabela Swain will be the speakers at the conclave.