Airtel “Media” Awards

19/02/2014 Sandi

If you’re going to launch a huge thing like an award ceremony at least pay attention to what they might be misinterpreted as. According to Business Dictionary, the word “media” refers to ‘communication channels through which news, entertainment, education, data, or promotional messages are disseminated. Media includes every broadcasting and narrowcasting medium such as newspapers, magazines, TV, radio, billboards, direct mail, telephone, fax, and internet. Media is the plural of medium and can take a plural or singular verb, depending on the sense intended’.

So when a big telecom company like Airtel comes through and introduces Media Excellence Awards, you would think they’d be thorough with the choosing of names. One would think they are awarding firms/news agencies/ tv stations as a whole when they are only giving prezzies to individual journalists, not media firms. (Why not name them Journalist Excellence Awards?)

Enough with the grammar police act and now to the purpose of the award. Airtel wants to pay respects to all Zambian journalists serving on various media platforms such as print, television, radio and online publications.The grand prize winner gets to have an all expenses paid 3 month work experience with a world renowned firm they haven’t mentioned yet.

According to the Airtel Zambia Managing Director Charity Lumpa, “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.

Airtel Networks Zambia Plc’s objective is to provide quality products and services to the Zambian community.

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, SME or Corporate level,” she said.

Lisa Mulozi, Airtel Zambia PR Manager, and Charity Lumpa, Airtel Zambia MD

So all you have to do as a journalist is submit 3 stories you think are amazing enough to show how Airtel’s services and Corporate Social Responsiblities impact the lives of people in Zambia in the best possible way you know how to. Mind you, skill is a factor here.

This still leaves me thinking though,are these Airtel Media Excellence Awards strictly for journalists by profession, who went to school and all for it. Or are they defining all writers as journalists? Lastly, does this totally exclude people who are mere writers even on various media platforms?

I’m done typing. It’s time for you to get started on your stories, and may the best writer win!