Airtel unveils media awards

AIRTEL Networks Zambia has launched the first-ever Airtel Media Excellence Awards which aims at promoting excellence in media reportage.

Airtel Networks managing director Charity Lumpa said the Awards would recognise and reward journalistic excellence in Zambia.

The awards which will be an annual event are open to all Zambian journalists.

Speaking at the launch at Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka, Ms Lumpa said: “The awards are aimed at pushing the depths of journalism from just merely telling a story to showcasing how lives and enterprises have changed through the use of telecommunication products and services

provided by Airtel.”

Ms Lumpa said Airtel’s objective was to provide quality products and services to the Zambian community, saying the company would continue to offer telecommunication solutions that facilitate change in the lives of many Zambians both in the rural and urban areas.

“Airtel is therefore, challenging the media to tell these stories in the most creative, well researched and balanced manner that will allow Zambians to read about many successful ventures at individual, Small and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) or corporate level,” Ms Lumpa said.

She said the judges would be looking for how skillfully the journalist would portray the human factor in the stories

Ms Lumpa said the judges would also look for skilful reporting of entrepreneurial achievements that would reflect the impact of Airtel’s products, services and Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives in the people’s lives

The grand prize will be an all expenses paid attachment for three months with a world renowned media organisation.

And Airtel Media Club president Changwe Kabwe commended Airtel for launching the media excellence awards.

“We hope our colleagues in the rural areas will also participate in these media awards and it is important to note that Airtel has reaffirmed its commitment of supporting the development of the media in Zambia,” Mr Kabwe said

He also commended the Government for its commitment to sponsoring the community radio stations throughout the country saying this would help improve the working environment at most community radio stations.