Civic Journalism Community Press Awards unveiled

THE Philippine Press Institute (PPI), the national association of newspapers in the country, held its annual National Press Forum with the theme: “Midya at Pandemya: Taking Charge of Journalism Post-Pandemic” as well as the 2022 Civic Journalism Community Press Awards at the Citadines Bay City Manila from April 24 to 25.

The winners of this season’s community press awards, funded by Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC), are as follows:

For the daily category: SunStar Davao – Best in Photojournalism and Best Edited Community Newspaper; SunStar Cebu – Best in Environmental Reporting and Best in Business and Economic Reporting; and Freeman – Best Editorial Page.

For the weekly category: Baguio Chronicle – Best in Reporting on Migration Issues, Best Editorial Page and Best Edited Community Newspaper; and Luzonwide News Correspondent for Best in Environmental Reporting.

Manila Standard publisher Rolando G. Estabillo, who was re-elected PPI chairman, noted how community newspapers have been hit hard by the economic decline triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“But the pandemic also accelerated and pushed journalists and news outlets to adopt digital technology. The shift in the media world has brought about new challenges, restrictions and innovative story-telling approaches,” he said.

“Technology and social trends are driving changes in how and where news is created and consumed. These changes have had an impact on the way journalists operate, namely enabling them to work alone or remotely and become independent content creators. The norm in reporting is sharp social media and digital skills,” he added.