Lowvelder is Caxton’s best
Lowvelder editor, De Wet Potgieter, whose newspaper won both best-sold newspaper and best front page, thanked the entire team which contributes to the newspaper.
MBOMBELA – Lowvelder has reclaimed the title of Caxton’s best-sold newspaper. The awards for Caxton’s annual community press were held in a glamourous ceremony in Parktown on Thursday and Lowveld Media’s publications excelled.
Lowvelder editor, De Wet Potgieter, whose newspaper won both best-sold newspaper and best front page, thanked the entire team which contributes to the newspaper, from the subeditors and layout, to sales representatives and the printing and distribution teams.
Mpumalanga News, edited by Bongani Hlatswayo, as well as Middelburg Observer, George Herald and Newcastle Advertiser were also nominated.
“This was without a doubt the most fiercely contested category and entries were described by the judges as exceptional. The winner has high-quality content, is very community specific and is keeping up with the times,” the judges noted.
About Lowvelder’s winning front pages, the judging panel said the newspaper had beautiful, bold front pages, with variety in the offering. The news dictated the design and judges like the execution of teaser boxes which showcased interesting stories inside the publication as well as promoting its online platform.
“I am honoured and proud to be a part of this team,” Potgieter said when accepting the award. “Thank you for each member’s contribution to the product and for all your dedication and hard work.”
Online manager, Benno Stander’s #Straatvark on lowvelder.co.za won best original idea or innovation. Lowvelder’s Old Joe campaign of 2017 was also nominated.
“#Straatvark is an original initiative that adds value and creates a revenue opportunity for the website,” the judges said. “It gives consumers a voice regarding matters that get them hot under the collar.”
Online journalist, Jonothan Hen-Boisen, was nominated twice in the category of best written and designed advertorial or promotion. His “What a professional field guide qualification entails” saw him use all the elements available, from videos to testimonials. “He had great content flow and it was really well written,” the judges added.
Get it Lowveld, edited by Ciska Kay, was nominated as best Get it magazine, and Mellissa Bushby nominated as best Get it journalist.
Lowvelder’s Carli Koch was nominated for best sport writing, the only woman nominated.
Mpumalanga News’ Jabulane Khumalo and Yoliswa Hlatswayo were named most promising newspaper journalist of the year.
Also nominated in editorial categories were Stefan de Villiers. Two of his pictures were nominated in the best sport photo category. Lowvelder’s news editor, Mireille de Villiers,was also nominated for best human interest photo.
On the advertising side, Hannelie Janse van Rensburg was nominated for “We have moved” in Hazyview Herald and Geraldine Reyneke for “Brighten up your garden this spring” in Pro Habitat, in the best written and designed small advertisement category.
Also read: Lowveld Media excels at Caxton Awards 2016
