Unuudur journalists seize 10th Baldorj Awards Grand Prix
Journalists of Unuudur J.Suvdmaa and T.Enkhbat became winners of the 10th Grand Prix of Baldorj Awards, the biggest annual event for Mongolian journalists, held on September 19.
Ecology journalist J.Suvdmaa and economic journalist T.Enkhbat traveled over 10,000 kilometers across Mongolia this summer to write “In Search of Responsible Mining” series and “Modern Nomads CoExisting with Mining” article to address negative impacts of irresponsible mining and call on mining companies to conduct rehabilitation to protect the earth. The two won a cash prize of two million MNT and 5,000 USD for their future journalistic work.
After thanking his seniors, colleagues and friends who motivated him to do better, T.Enkhbat said, “Suvdmaa and I traveled over 10,000 kilometers this summer, seeking responsible mining and spoke with many people. The mining sector has inefficient policy, has numerous violations, and is unsystematic. It isn’t beneficial to herders and because of that, herders are strongly against mining. Currently mining is, as a whole, irresponsible. Mining is a sector that casts shadow as big as its yield. I personally believe that journalists should never stop addressing mining issues.
“I will continue to this as well. Now is not the time to shout but to think and relook on things.”
The young journalist advised reporters to write about new stories and the things that matter as he cited Ts.Baldorj’s words “Mongolians must soar high like eagles and feast on fresh meat, not scrounge for worms like small birds”.
Former presidents, members of Parliament, city officials, industry leaders, and representatives from press and media organizations attended the event to recognize the social, economic and cultural contributions made by journalists, strengthen journalism, support young journalists, and encourage all journalists to continue to provide accurate and timely information, as well as raise public awareness about all kinds of topics.
Opening remarks were delivered by second President of Mongolia N.Bagabandi who shared fond memories with late Ts.Baldorj, the founder of Mongol News Group and The UB Post, before reminding journalists to deliver truthful and well-researched information.
Thirteen top journalistic writings and productions were selected for Grand Prix, runner up, top 10, and Canadian special journalism prize out of over 2,000 articles submitted by 800 journalists. The judges underlined that in the first five years the Baldorj Awards was held, most journalistic writings focused on challenges related to society, politics, mining, environment and law, while in the past five years, it converted to the real life of ordinary Mongolians, IT, science, women’s empowerment, challenges faced by children, and economic difficulties. However, there is a trend for journalists nowadays to push their own opinion onto readers, fail to provide sufficient evidence to back up their point, intentionally or unintentionally defame people, and fail to provide multiple perspectives on issues, as criticized by the judges.
The judges advised Mongolian journalists to write in their own way to provide new unique perspectives, and make better use of foreign sources.
Canadian Ambassador to Mongolia David Sproule handed the special Canadian prize awarded to journalists who voice about women’s rights, their challenges and gender inequality.
“The Embassy of Canada is proud to be a part of Baldorj Foundation for the second time to select the best journalistic work focused on gender inequality and women’s contribution in bringing peaceful and safe society in Mongolia. It is fascinating to see the different perspectives of Mongolian journalism, especially as they discuss formidable challenges Mongolian women face each day. Canada strongly believes that the freedom of opinion and expression remain cornerstones of safe and prosperous societies and are essential to the realization of human rights in our society,” he stated.
The award went to freelance journalist J.Mandukhai who wrote a series of articles exploring the real life of women in Mongolia and their challenges.
Below is the list of other award recipients. Runner up for Grand Prix: MNB’s “Documentary” program production team (G.Batzaya, J.Zolzaya and B.Lkhagvasuren) for their investigative journalism series on human rights.
Top 10
1. Unuudur’s Kh.Uganga–“Hello Life” and “Buun tsagaan nuuriin buun emgenel” series 2. TV9’s D.Ganzorig – “Khasakh Gradus: Alt dagasan kharuulsan buyu geriin buurinii erkh medel” series and “Khuvsgul’s tragedy of abandoned people and animals” 3. Undesnii Sonin’s B.Enkhmart – “We and Mongolia’s steppe loves you” and “Six-year-old Bayanduuren’s Way to School” 4. MN25 Channel’s D.Erdenebayar, J.Purevdavaa, G.Munkhbayar and G.Natsagdorj – “One Time” 5. Mongolian Media Corporation’s S.Batzaya – “Mongolia without culture” series 6. Zuunii Medee’s B.Solongo– “Giving Mongolians the right to fresh water” and “Protecting wildlife in need of rescue” 7. Zasgiin Gazriin Medee’s Z.Tselmeg – “Khariltsuuriin Tsaadakh Nulims” and “Mongolia with 60 million livestock feeding its three million people with meat with lead” 8. Daily News’ E.Khurelbaatar – “One day of Mongolians pushed and squished like horses at Zamiin-Uud” 9. Montsame News Agency’s B.Altankhuyag – “Anurguin gun dekh ekh tsag khugatsaa” interview series 10. Bloomberg TV’s N.Khongorzul – “Made in Mongolia” television series