Media News South Africa

Fewer categories, bigger prizes for SAB sports journalist awards

Sports journalists have one week left to collate and submit their entries for the 2005 Sports Journalist of the Year Awards, sponsored by South African Breweries (SAB), with entries closing on Thursday, 13 April 2006, at 5pm. This year's streamlined competition includes fewer awards and increased cash prizes.

The SAB Sports Journalist of the Year Awards, which has been running for 26 years, is for journalists covering developments in the world of sport which are often controversial and emotive, but always fascinating to followers, fans and armchair sportsmen alike.

"The judges will be guided in their task by three main criteria: integrity, overall quality and impact, as well as tailoring the writing or broadcasting for a particular target audience and balance," explains Michael Farr of SAB. "In addition to this; elements like style, factual accuracy, originality, fairness and regular exposure will have a significant impact on determining the final winners."

The top sports journalist will be rewarded with accolades and prizes comprising R12 500 per category and R2500 per sub-category. Categories include Print and Internet, Radio and Television (consisting of three sub-categories each), as well as overall Newcomer of the Year.

A panel of industry experts, including credible and diverse media specialists, will be judging the entries. Convened by media veteran Joe Latakgomo, the judging panel for this year's print and internet awards includes Paula Fray, Peter Robinson , Bokkie Gerber (Rapport), Guy Hawthorne (Supersport), Gert Kotze and Bronwyn Wilkinson.

Sports commentator Jan Snyman will be convening the panel for broadcast media, with judges including: Joe Visagie (SABC Sport), André Venter (M-Net Supersport), Dan Retief (Supersport Zone), Arthur Molisiwa (The Star), Robin Kempthorne and Dan Setshedi.

More information is available at www.sablimited.co.za/nr/SABLtd/sportsjournalistoftheyear/index.htm.

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