The Times scoops four journalism awards

The Times won four Malta Journalism Awards last night, with former editor Charles Grech Orr, reporter Herman Grech, cartoonist Maurice Tanti Burlò and travel writer Corinne Vella winning the top spots in their respective categories.

Mr Grech was named first in print journalism for 2003 with two penetrating stories and a third that was strong on human interest.

The first focused on whether buildings in Malta are protected against earthquakes, following the earth tremor which took place in July 2003.

The second story, which delved into the phenomenon of battery operated scooters, stirred a hornet's nest, generating a wide debate and pitching users and importers against the somewhat baffled authorities and wardens. This story eventually led to much-disputed legislation.

The third submission recounted the trauma of a Marsaxlokk man who contracted typhus and was at death's door after he went on a morning jog.

Mr Grech Orr, a former editor of The Times, won the Gold Award for going beyond the requirements of normal journalistic practice during his career.

The chairman of the Gold Award jury, President Emeritus Guido de Marco, said Mr Grech Orr had dedicated his life to journalism with "distinct professionalism".

"He had a long and distinguished career as a law reporter, night editor, assistant editor and then editor of the Times of Malta, later renamed The Times, a position he held from 1965 to 1990.

"These were 25 historic years for our country. Malta had just gained sovereignty and independence in 1964, and 10 years later, in 1974, became a Republic. During these 25 years, Mr Grech Orr witnessed profound political change.

"As editor of The Times he courageously defended the rights of the free press and made his newspaper a staunch defender of fundamental human rights. He showed how the press could promote freedom even in the most difficult circumstances.

"For these reasons, the jury unanimously agreed that Charles Grech Orr should be the recipient of the Gold Award for Journalism," said Prof. de Marco.

Mr Tanti Burlo, The Times cartoonist, came first in the press cartoons category and Ms Vella, a free-lance writer, placed first for travel journalism in The Times.

Other awards were presented to Lino Bugeja for sports journalism, one of whose three submissions was an article in The Times, Rene Rossignaud, for press photography and Alvin Scicluna for broadcast film.

Jury chairman Charles Flores said this year's submissions were for the most part satisfactory, with the finalists standing out, and the winners confirming that there are capable journalists who are serious and willing to work.

However, he said, the need for originality in the treatment of stories was felt. He said a number of reports and commentaries were written in a school essay format, and not in a way that readers, listeners and viewers were given the true picture.

Both print and electronic journalism made steps forward in the past years and this was reflected in the submissions. However, he said, progress was not so much seen in the use of Maltese and English and in the treatment of stories, which could have been shorter, more effective and written in a more analytical way.

Mr Flores said some of the categories had a lot of people taking part, while others had low participation. The sport journalism section deserved a better participation and quality.

The result of the broadcast script journalism category, which includes both radio and television, showed that when used well, every medium had its good opportunities.

With regard to broadcast film journalism, Mr Flores said there was still space for expansion and better appreciation of the reason why this category was established.

He said the Caricature category was the most limited one, while the e-journalism category needed a better reaction from those involved.

Mr Flores said the hardest choice was with regard to the press photography category, where competition was high and the submissions were good and effective.

Malcolm J. Naudi, chairman of the Institute for Maltese Journalists, which organises the awards, yesterday announced that the Malta Journalist Awards would next year have a new category - cultural tourism, sponsored by the Tourism Ministry.

Speaking prior to the announcement of the awards, Mr Naudi paid tribute to Tony Montanaro, the founder and first chairman of the Malta Press Club, who passed away earlier in the year.

Focusing on the work of the institute, Mr Naudi said that together with the Tumas Fenech Foundation and the Commissioner for Data Protection, they were working to draw up new guidelines for journalists in the light of the new legislation.

The jury for the awards was composed of Charles Flores, chairman, Victoria Galea and Tony Barbaro Sant. These are the full results:

Print Journalism
First, Herman Grech; second, Ariadne Massa; third, Lino Bugeja.

Sponsored by HSBC Bank Malta plc

Press Photography
First, Rene Rossignaud; second, Darrin Zammit Lupi, third, Michael Ellul.

Sponsored by The Farsons Foundation

Broadcast Film Journalism
First, Alvin Scicluna; second Tonio Darmanin.

Sponsored by The Broadcasting Authority

Broadcast Script Journalism
First, Julia Farrugia; second, Roderick J. Agius; third, Claudette Baldacchino.

Sponsored by:The Broadcasting Authority

Sports Journalism
First, Lino Bugeja; second, Robert Cutajar; third, Christian Micallef.

Sponsored by: Michele Peresso Group of Companies, operators of EuroSport

Press Cartoons
First, Maurice Tanti Burlò

Sponsored by Malta International Airport

E-Journalism
First, Charlot Zahra; second Charlotte Bonavia; third, Paul Cachia

Sponsored by HP

Travel Journalism
First, Corinne Vella; second, Sarah Puntan Galea; third, Alvin Scicluna.

Sponsored by Emirates Airline

L-Ilsien Malti fil-Gurnalizmu
First, Roderick J Agius

Sponsored by L-Akkademja tal-Malti.

Gold Award
Charles Grech Orr

Jury: Manni Spiteri, Frans Camilleri and President Emeritus Prof Guido de Marco as chairman.

Sponsored by BPC International.