‘Remarkable reporters’ among finalists in Sikuvile journalism awards

This year’s Standard Bank Sikuvile Awards saw an increase in digital and multi-platform entries, says the CEO of Print and Digital Media South Africa (PDMSA) announcing this year’s 70 finalists in the awards that celebrate excellence in journalism.

“All finalists are remarkable reporters who have displayed their passion and substantial editorial experience in their work. Their entries have positioned them as assets to the journalism industry, and on behalf of the PDMSA, I would like to congratulate them in getting this far in the competition,” said CEO Ingrid Louw.

She said while entries in the digital and multi-platform category were lower than in other sections, PDMSA was “confident” these would increase as the “platforms continue to gain relevance over the coming years”.

Louw said finalists were drawn from 683 submissions across 14 award categories. A large portion of the submissions received were from the ‘Feature Writing’ category with 120 entries, followed by 82 entries in the ‘Hard News’ category, and 78 entries in the ‘News Photography’ category.

She said with the change in the criteria of submissions this year, the industry body was pleased with the number of entries received. “The increase in submissions confirms that the industry is starting to recognise the value carried by the awards and their impact on the journalists’ careers,” she said in a statement.

Convening judge, Paula Fray, said judges were impressed with the range of stories and themes received this year – many spreading across both print and digital.  “In fact, the entries signalled a growing recognition of the multiplatform nature of the news. We also found that there were many contenders for the Young Journalist of The Year Award, which is encouraging for the future of print and digital media as we’re trying to promote diversified multiplatform reporters,” she said.

Louw said judges – and entrants – had a tough job this year due to the tighter rules for entry, which, she said, meant the overall quality improved.

The awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday, 21 May 2014 at the Soweto Theatre.