CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2012 winners announced
Mboya and Nyaga, won for their work 'African Tribe in India', which aired on Citizen TV, Kenya and was chosen from among 1 799 entries from 42 nations across the African continent. Their work tells the story of an African tribe in India, long forgotten and little known about, based in Karnataka, Southern India.
Tom and Evanson were among the 34 finalists at the awards ceremony and were winners in the category 'Television Features Award (TV60).'
The awards, which rotate location each year in tribute to their pan-African credentials, were hosted by CNN and MultiChoice at Auditorium Hall, Government Complex Convention Centre, Lusaka, Zambia and broadcast live on ZNBC.
Nico Meyer, CEO MultiChoice Africa; Parisa Khosravi, senior vice president for CNN Worldwide in charge of International Newsgathering, and Hon. Given Lubinda MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs, presented the top prize to the pair from Kenya.
Mboya said, "Journalism is a profession that allows you to go in, and then bring out what the world needs to know. It is humbling that the Father Lord has brought us this."
Nyaga added, "I am truly humbled by this."
Member of the judging panel, journalist and media consultant Joel Kibazo said: "This story introduced the viewer to something new, an African tribe in India few know about. The journalist took the viewer with him to India, and the village to speak to the tribe members. An all round detailed story that was well told."
Khosravi said, "The men and women who enter these awards have become part of a community of excellence, representing the very best in journalism and maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Their resourcefulness and bravery in pursuing the story has my deepest admiration."
Collins Khumalo, CEO MultiChoice South Africa said, "We salute the finalists and the winners of the 2012 awards. These journalists give a voice to Africa and help to make that voice heard around the world. We encourage journalists from around the African continent to continue to tell the stories of Africa - who knows, your story might be celebrated at the 2013 awards."
Nico Meyer, CEO MultiChoice Africa, said: "Each year we are amazed at the growing number of entries we receive for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Award and we continue to marvel at the growing quality of entries - a great indication of the talent and skills pool in the continent. All tonight's winners should be very proud of their achievements and we wish them well as they advance to a higher level of global influence. The selfless nature of the trade often displayed in the work done by our journalistic community is once again to be commended and honoured. As MultiChoice we are committed to the empowerment of Africa's communities, and telling stories of their lives to raise awareness of their plight is commendable. We salute all journalists and tonight's winners for their contribution to the development of open and democratic societies, creating future hope for generations to come."
Free Press Africa Award
The evening also recognised Enenche Akogwu and Zakariya Isa as this year's recipients of the Free Press Africa Award, for their work in Nigeria. Isa, a cameraman for the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), was killed in October 2011, and Akogwu, a news reporter with Channels Television, was shot and killed, having covered the Kano bomb blast in January this year.
The CNN MultiChoice competition is now in its 17th year. The prestigious sponsors include: A24 Media; African Development Bank (AfDB); The Coca-Cola Company; Ecobank; Ericsson; Intercontinental Hotel, Lusaka; IPP Media, Tanzania; MSD; Nokia; SuperSport; and UNICEF.
The Awards' 34 finalists from 12 countries enjoyed an all expenses paid five day programme of workshops, media forums, networking and had the opportunity to see some of the sights of Zambia.
Other winners
Winners in the individual competition categories are:
Again this year the Judges highlighted some excellent work and awarded certificates of Commendation to ten journalists. These journalists participated in the finalists' programme in Lusaka and received a cash prize, a Nokia 800 Lumia and a Certificate of Commendation:
- Bizcommunity Search: Multichoice African Journalist of the Year Awards
- Official site: www.cnn.com/africanawards
- Twitter Search: #AJA2012
- Twitter: @AfricanJourno
