Coinciding with World Press Freedom Day yesterday, the Bhutan Media Foundation (BMF) held its eighth Annual Journalism Award in Thimphu. Journalists from various media houses were recognised for excellence in 14 different categories.
The awards were given in six categories for the print media, three for television and two for radio.
The other three awards were the Most Promising Young Journalist of the Year, the Female Journalist of the Year and the Food and Agriculture Story of the Year.
Reporter Tshering Dema from The Bhutanese won the Most Promising Young Journalist of the Year award.
Chencho Dema, a senior reporter with Kuensel won the award of the Female Journalist of the Year and Sangay Rabten from Business Bhutan received the Food and Agriculture Story of the Year award.
In the print category, Tenzin Lamsang, the editor of The Bhutanese bagged the Investigative Story of the Year award. He also won the award for the Business Story of the Year.
“I am eighteen years in this profession and I plan to carry on at least eighteen more years. I will get older with the profession and try to excel, learn and grow every day. Many journalists were honoured today, and I congratulate all of them. I am very happy for them and myself,” said Tenzin Lamsang.
Likewise, Ugyen Tenzin from Business Bhutan won the award for the Sports Story of the Year.
Tashi Phuntsho and Ugyen Dorji from Kuensel received the Feature Story of the Year and the Climate Change Story of the Year awards, respectively.
Rinzin Wangchuk, a freelance journalist won the award for the Political Story of the Year.
In the television category, Kinley Wangchuk from BBS was the winner of the TV Feature of the Year.
The TV News Story of the Year was bagged by Karma Wangdi from BBS and Phuntsho Namgyal from BBS received the Current Affairs Programme of the Year award.
“Today’s award is not for my talent. I presume that it is the award for the effort and dedication I have put into my career through the guidance I received from those with talents and knowledge. This award of recognition gave me complete fulfilment. I will put more dedication and aim to receive another award at this time next year,” said Phuntsho Namgyal.
Thinley Penjor from Radio Valley received the Radio Story of the Year award and Kesang Wangmo from BBS won the Radio Podcast of the Year award in the radio category.
Initially, 20 awards were announced but six categories were cancelled due to a lack of entries and quality.
The BMF also launched the ‘Include Ability’ initiative. Through this initiative, people with disabilities will be represented through stories in the media to advocate for greater inclusivity.
Namgay Dema
Edited by Tshering Zam
