The Watts Floating Trophy for Best Corporate-owned Free Newspaper of 24 pages and more has been donated to the Forum of Community Journalists (FCJ) by Caxton Local Media (East/South).
The trophy is named in honour of Karen Watts, general manager of Caxton Local Media Metropolitans, for her contribution to the industry, and mentorship of staff throughout the years, including journalists and editors.
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Watts is a Benoni resident and was ecstatic to learn the trophy was named in her honour. In addition, her hometown local newspaper, the City Times, is the first recipient of this trophy.
The City Times was named the winner in the 24 pages or more category at the FCJ awards, recently.
Gauteng director of the FCJ Marietta Lombard, who is also the editor of the Bedford/Edenvale News, initiated the trophy.
“This was the perfect opportunity to honour a woman who helped shape so many Caxton journalists and editors.
“As we all know, dynamite comes in small packages and Karen always led, not only from the front but also from a place of love and care; a place of true compassion.
“We honour her with the introduction of the Watts floating trophy as a reminder of the valuable role Karen played not only in our lives, but also in the newspaper industry.
“It is fitting that she handed over the trophy to its first recipient, her hometown newspaper, Benoni City Times.”
Watts was overwhelmed at the presentation of the trophy, stating she is enormously proud of Caxton’s newsrooms and it has been a privilege to work hand-in-hand with them all these years.
“This is an absolute honour for me and means so much,”Watts said.
City Times editor Lana O’Neill said her team is very proud to be the first recipient of the Watts floating trophy.
“To be named the winner in our category at the recent FCJ awards was incredible, and now we have a beautiful trophy named after an icon of the industry in our newsroom, which is extra special.”
