The 10th Annual Journalism Awards, held yesterday coinciding with World Press Freedom Day, celebrated excellence in journalism across print, broadcast, and digital platforms. This year, 28 awards were presented to journalists for their outstanding works in different categories, emphasising the critical role of media in informing the public and strengthening democracy.
From editorial writing to investigative reporting and environment and climate change stories, journalists were honoured for their dedication, professionalism, and impactful storytelling.
26-year-old Yam Kumar Poudel from Kuensel, was awarded the Most Promising Young Journalist of the Year. He also won the Agriculture or Food Security Story of the Year award.
He joined Kuensel in 2022.
“I take this as a huge responsibility as a young journalist to maintain credibility, build accountability, and further improve my reporting skills to ensure that the public is informed, educated, and entertained through the stories I write on national issues.”
Yam also won the environmental and climate change reporting grant award alongside three others from the 20 grants awarded last year.
Tenzing Lamsang from The Bhutanese, won both the Investigative Story of the Year and the Business Story of the Year. This marks his eighth Investigative Award and third Business Story award in his 20th year career.
Tenzing Lamsang was awarded the highly coveted Jigme Singye Wangchuck Prestigious Award for his career and significant contribution to journalism in 2023.
“I think the awards are, overall, an encouragement to the entire journalism community to serve our country and people, and to place public interest as the top priority. Journalism is not easy, but I believe it is a very important service and profession for the country.”
From the Bhutan Broadcasting Service, Phuntsho Namgyal won both the Host of the Year and the Talk Show of the Year titles. He was awarded the Current Affairs Programme of the Year and Host of the Year for the last two years.
“Seeing the impact of my work as a media professional, through the knowledge I have gained through interactions and personal learning, I feel satisfied and happy. Such awards build my confidence, and encourage and motivate me to take on greater responsibility in serving the public.”
This year, Kuensel received 13 awards, The Bhutanese won six awards, and BBS took five awards. BBS channel 3, Bhutan Today, a freelancer and a social media content creator from Samuh received an award each.
Kelzang Chhophyel
