Times of Malta sweeps journalism awards
Former editor Ray Bugeja wins Gold Award
Times of Malta scooped nine out of 20 awards at the 33rd edition of the Malta Journalism Awards on Saturday evening as former editor Ray Bugeja won the coveted Gold Award for his contribution to journalism.
Four Times of Malta journalists, one photographer and the former editor had their work recognised for its excellence, while two others were finalists at an award ceremony held at the Verdala Palace in Buskett and presided over by President Myriam Spiteri Debono.
Journalist Jacob Borg took home four awards: crime and legal affairs story of the year for his investigation into the Maksar crime gang; best political journalism for his story on the secret backdoor deal that a Swiss firm that paid Joseph Muscat as a "consultant" had to receive Steward Health Care's dividends from its “fraudulent” hospitals deal; scoop of the year for his story on suspected kickbacks received by the wife of former minister Clayton Bartolo; and best investigation for his expose on the smear campaign against Chris Fearne by Steward Healthcare.
Jacob Borg was the night's big winner with four separate accolades. Photo: Ian Noel PaceMark Laurence Zammit won best podcast for the episode of Times Talk - in its very first year - that gave listeners/viewers an exclusive look inside the Kordin Correctional Facility.
Zammit also won the award for best use of video for his explainer on Joseph Muscat's role in the Vitals case.
Mark Laurence Zammit won best podcast in Times Talk's inaugural year. Photo: Ian Noel PaceNeville Borg won the award for business journalism for his series of exclusive stories on the HSBC takeover.
Neville Borg won the award for best business journalism. Ian Noel PaceMarc Galdes won best specialist journalism for his on-the-ground reporting of cocaine use in Valletta.
Marc Galdes with his award for specialist journalism. Photo: Ian Noel PacePhotographer Jonathan Borg won best photojournalism for a stunning photo of waves crashing onto the shore.
Times of Malta photographer Jonathan Borg on the other end of the camera. Photo: Ian Noel Pace
Times of Malta photographer Jonathan Borg's winning photo.Former Times of Malta editor Ray Bugeja received a gold award for his contribution to journalism.
Former Times of Malta editor Ray Bugeja. Photo: Ian Noel PaceTimes of Malta journalists James Cummings and Giulia Magri were the other two finalists in the 'scoop of the year' category.
The awards were the first since the IĠM became a union earlier this year.
President Myriam Spiteri Debono gave an impassioned speech where she underlined the crucial role of independent journalism and called for the necessary reform.
IĠM Awards 2025 - Full list of winners
| Business journalism | Neville Borg (Times of Malta) |
| Crime and legal affairs | Jacob Borg (ToM) and Julian Bonnici (Amphora) |
| Arts and entertainment | Ramona Depares (freelance) |
| Upcomimg journalist award | Matthew Farrugia, Juliana Zammit (Malta Today) |
| Environment and planning | James Debono (MaltaToday) |
| Comment journalism | Kurt Sansone (MaltaToday) |
| Features journalism | Neil Camilleri, Giuseppe Attard |
| Political journalism | Jacob Borg (ToM), OCCRP |
| Sports journalism | Kyle Camilleri (The Malta Independent) |
| Sports photography | Mattias Brancaleone (PBS) |
| Best photojourmalism | Jonathan Borg (ToM) |
| Best podcast | Mark Laurence Zammit (ToM) |
| Best use of video | Mark Laurence Zammit (ToM) |
| Interviewer of year | Jon Mallia |
| Specialist journalism | Marc Galdes (ToM) |
| Best use of Maltese language | James Aaron Ellul (Net TV) |
| Best use of Maltese language (published) | Noel D Anastasi |
| Promotion of rights of persons with disability | Gabriel Lia (RTK) |
| Scoop of the year | Jacob Borg (ToM) |
| Best investigation | Jacob Borg (ToM) |
| Gold award | Ray Bugeja (ToM) |