Three global media honours for Independent
INDEPENDENT Media made it to the top three in three categories at the International News Media Association Global Media Innovation awards this week.
The awards were held in one of the world’s leading art and design museums, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
The Cape Argus’ #Fees MustFall initiative came second in the category for Best Idea to Encourage Print Readership or Engagement. Isolezwe, South Africa’s largest daily vernacular newspaper, came third in the category for Best Use of Mobile for its soccer game, Asidlale while the MOJO (mobile journalism) project came third for the Best Use of Social Media.
The awards, attended by the world’s leading media industry professionals, are dedicated to energising media brands, innovation in product development, stimulating audiences and growing revenue in the global media industry. A total of 699 entries were received from 40 participating countries.
The competition rewards six activities key to commercial and brand success in a fast-changing media world – energising brands, creating new products, growing, engaging and monetising audiences, growing advertising revenue, developing customer insights and instilling innovation.
Editor in Chief of Isolezwe, Mazwi Xaba said: “We feel absolutely great because it is the perfect reward after hard work. It also allows us to keep creating good ideas for digital spaces.”
Cape Argus Editor Gasant Abarder said he was thrilled to receive the award.
“Just to be shortlisted as finalists and to be recognised among the finest by our peers was a huge accomplishment,” he said.
Independent Media Executive Chairman Dr Iqbal Survé, who is in London with a delegation of editorial and commercial managers from Independent Media, who attended the annual International News Media Association conference, said: “I am immensely proud of our achievement.
“This international honour is shared with all our employees. Our focus on driving innovation, providing solutions for our advertisers while connecting with audiences is paying off.
“Independent Media has not only embraced the new media revolution, we are leading the charge.”