Vodacom Journalist of the Year >> About
| The Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards are easily a highlight of my long and rewarding time at Vodacom. Now in their 10th iteration, the first Awards recognised that South African society was changing. We understood there was a need to encourage the development of a more diverse media world and to spur the emerging cadre of journalists onto their very best. The Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards have achieved many of the goals we set out to achieve a decade ago. They have been a force for positive change in the media world and, of this, I am especially proud.
- Joan Joffe, former Group Executive – Corporate Affairs of Vodacom and founder of the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards. |
About the awards
There can be no doubt of the vital role a free press has in a democratic society. The impact of journalism in its myriad forms on the South African collective consciousness cannot be overestimated. Joseph Pulitzer once said of the profession: “Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light.” The many journalists recognised by the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards are no doubt those who provide the guiding light to our society.
Vodacom believes it is important to recognise the achievements of these reporters, who strive tirelessly across a multitude of disciplines to ensure that our society remains informed and progressive. By acknowledging the critical role the media plays in our fledgling democracy, Vodacom, through the Journalist of the Year Awards, hopes to reward those reporters who have genuinely made a difference.
From humble beginnings in 2001, these awards have grown to be the highlight for members of the media profession across the entire spectrum of media disciplines and channels. From old-school print journalists to on-camera TV presenters, and from online columnists to social media bloggers, Vodacom believes in rewarding these quiet champions of the truth. Moreover, for close to a decade now these awards have been the launching pad for some of the most promising young talent in the country, boosting their careers and encouraging them to further hone their craft.
Vodacom and the journalists attending these awards have one major thing in common: both are focused on connecting the nation by providing access to information. And just as journalists evolve towards utilising new forms of technology to deliver their message, so Vodacom, too, remains at the cutting edge of ICT technology.
Judges for this year’s competition will once again be distinguished and highly respected leaders in their respective fields, who possess both the practical and theoretical expertise necessary to decide on the best candidates for the awards. Submission, adjudication and archiving of entries to the Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards are carried out by employing leading technological elements. Furthermore, as a company that is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and delivering a cohesive Green message, Vodacom is this year encouraging journalists to enter online, instead of printing their entries. and having them couriered.
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