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Forum attracts new sponsor to acknowledge excellence in community journalism
FCJ is confident the sponsorship will support its work in building a free, reliable and credible press for future generations.
The Forum of Community Journalists (FCJ), of which Caxton newspaper journalists are members, announced a new partnership with AVBOB Mutual Society as the main sponsor of the FCJ’s Annual Excellence Awards for the next three years (2022-2025).
Community journalists are watchdogs for, and the voices of the various communities they serve across South Africa.
These journalists are embedded in their communities as they serve hyper local, relevant content.
Also read: Caxton excels at 2020 FCJ Annual Excellence Awards
Often the community media exposes that which has been neglected by mainstream media. Support for community media thus remains a crucial part of ensuring a strong fourth estate.
FCJ Executive Director Marietta Lombard said the sponsorship from AVBOB will support and acknowledge the important role of community journalists in society.
“It is only with support such as that of AVBOB, that we can continue building a free, reliable and credible press for future generations,” Lombard said.
A study by the Wits Journalism Department published in 2020, during the height of Covid-19, shows that although there is an increase in community media in South Africa, funding and resource constraints still pose a challenge to the sector as a source of news and information for marginalised communities.
Also read: Kempton Express wins Newspaper of the Year
“Building sustainable relationships with communities are important to us. Above all, the group is committed to investing in collaborative stakeholder relationships with both traditional and new media to support the important role of journalists in the country and promote access to information and understanding in society,” said Adriaan Bester, AVBOB General Manager for Corporate Affairs.
The FCJ’s Annual Awards were launched in 1990 and aims to encourage excellence and reward meritorious work in community journalism. The awards will henceforth be known as the AVBOB FCJ Annual Excellence Awards.
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