INMA reveals 40 Global Media Awards first-place winners, Bergens Tidende takes top prize

The International News Media Association (INMA) announced 40 first-place recipients in its 2023 Global Media Awards competition, with Bergens Tidende’s “Journey Around the World” taking the global “Best in Show.”

During the awards ceremony at New York´s Harvard Club, 40 first-place winners were unveiled across 20 categories aimed at surfacing innovation and best practices in news brands, optimising the use of media features, subscriptions, advertising, data and insights, product, and newsroom innovation.

The INMA Global Media Awards competition announcement was supported by the Google News Initiative.

Winning the coveted “Best in Show” was Schibsted-owned Bergens Tidende in Norway for “Journey Around the World,” an inventive storytelling format enabling users to travel around the world visually. Judges said that this campaign was a world-class execution of an epic journey featuring total immersion in an adventure.

The INMA competition, which has been rewarding media excellence since 1937, evaluates news media companies across two segments: national brands and regional brands.

Three companies won multiple first-place awards: Bennett, Coleman & Co., Schibsted across its brands in Norway, and Stampen Media. Four companies garnered two first places: Advance Local, Amedia, Jagran Prakashan, and Relevo from Vocento.

The 2023 Global Media Awards competition attracted 775 entries from 239 market-leading news media brands in 40 countries. Participants included newspaper media, magazine media, digital media, television media, and radio media.

An international jury of 54 media executives from 19 countries selected 198 finalists earlier this year.

Judges also selected the best in six world regions from the finalists:

Best in Africa: Media24 Group for “Adspace24 – Swipe Cards and Catalogue”

Best in Asia/Pacific: The Straits Times for “World Cup: A ‘Hat-Trick’ Special”

Best in Europe: Bergens Tidende in Norway for “Journey Around the World”

Best in Latin America: Editora Globo for “Um Só Planeta”

Best in North America: The Wall Street Journal for “The Future of Everything Festival”

Best in South Asia: Bennett, Coleman, and Co. for “The Times of a Better India”

In the spirit of innovation, INMA judges decided to give out a special award based on overall excellence across multiple categories. A “Special Jury Distinction” was awarded to Aftenposten, Bergens Tidende, Schibsted, and VG for their use of technology paired with outstanding multi-media narratives and excellent journalism.

“We were honoured to be able to celebrate these huge accomplishments in person for the first time in four years,” said Earl J. Wilkinson, executive director and CEO of INMA. “The brilliance of this 2023 class really shined a light on the creativity and innovation taking root in the news media industry. We’re incredibly proud of all the entrants, and especially of this year’s winners.”

Click here to view the winners.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said that the new Congress Government in Karnataka may not last its full term, and may fall after BJP wins the 2024 Lok Sabha general elections.

He was replying to questions from Rajat Sharma in the show 'Aap Ki Adalat', that telecasted on India TV on 27th May, 3023. When it was pointed out that Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar have decided on sharing two and a half years of rule in Karnataka, Sarma said: "I don't think they will get to do this. After 2024 Lok Sabha general elections, the government is surely going to fall".

Rajat Sharma: Look, they made a good arrangement, two and a half years for Siddaramaiah and D K Shivakumar?

Sarma: Do you think the government will run for two and a half years? Will that government remain after Lok Sabha elections?

Rajat Sharma: That you can say.

Sarma: You can say because you have so many years' experience.

Rajat Sharma: Will it depend on how many people (MLAs) come to Assam?

Sarma: Do you think so?. Do you really hink this government will exist after Lok Sabha elections? I don't think so?

Rajat Sharma: Then what will happen?

Sarma: It will break. There will be another Chief Minister."

Sarma predicted that the BJP will win more than 300 seats in next year's Lok Sabha elections. "India is going through one of its best periods in its history. People feel proud of their past heritage and 6,000-year-old civilization. They want to get rid of the Gandhi family which has a feudal mindset. Modi has brought about a big transformation in the minds of the people of India."

Asked by Rajat Sharma whether he and UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath are competing with each other in advocating strident 'Hindutva', Sarma replied: "I come from a small state. Please do not compare an apple with an orange. I have my dreams for Assam and I am going to fulfill them."

Sarma revealed what happened in the meeting with Rahul Gandhi, after which he left Congress and joined BJP.

Rajat Sharma: I heard you went and met Rahul Gandhi, but he devoted more time to his pet.

Sarma: "No the story is like this. Rahul Gandhi had called a meeting in which the then CM Tarun Gogoi, myself, party in-charge C. P. Joshi and Assam Congress chief Anjan Dutta were present. We went to his room and talks began. Five minutes later, his pet dog came, and start eating the biscuits that were served with tea for us on the table. I looked at the other three leaders, they were eating comfortably from the same table. I had gone to meet for the first time. I felt, this was their culture, having food with pet dogs. I said, I can't be like this, I can't eat like this. I decided not to go there again."

Rajat Sharma: Later Rahul posted a video with his pet dog?

Sarma: Yes, it was the same pet dog. ..

Rajat Sharma: But Congress people wrote with the video, the dog proved more loyal than you?

Sarma: Now where is the question of loyalty? We did not join the party for loyalty to a family. Were they paying salary to me? We should demystify all this. Rahul was one of our colleagues in a political party. Others may have taken favours from him. I don't what Congressmen have in mind about loyalty. For me, loyalty is not to a family, my loyalty is to the nation....Whatever is left of the Congress today is because of Mahatma Gandhi. They hijacked his name. Even today, if you cut out the surname of Gandhi from Sonia ji and Rahul's names, what is left? This title has been hijacked. Congress belong to Mahamanav Mahatma Gandhi. Otherwise, where is the Congress? Gandhi family does not belong to Mahatma Gandhi. "

The Assam CM said: "Look, I knew Rahul Gandhi since childhood and I was never impressed by his merit. When I was in Congress, I used to meet Sonia Gandhi regularly, but I never met Rahul Gandhi. I was never impressed by his merits, his deeds, his arguments, logic and his capacity to do public service. Those who never struggle in life, can never become the leader of a country like India."

On closing down of Madarsas in Assam, Sarma said, "I want Muslim youths to get modern education. Though it is their families' duty to see what education they get, I am trying to create a progressive eco-system for Muslim community."

On the issue of uniform civil code, the Assam CM said: "I predict, 15 to 20 years from now, every Muslim woman voter will vote for BJP, because we have abolished 'triple talaq' and we will surely do away with polygamy. Even Prophet Mohammed, whom Muslims revere as 'Nabi', was in favour of monogamy. On polygamy, the Prophet had said, this could be done only with the consent of existing wives. The Directive Principles of State Policy in our Constitution clearly says we should bring a common civil code, which we will surely implement."

On the controversy over PM inaugurating the new Parliament building, Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "Gandhi family does not want anybody else except from the family to inaugurate the new Parliament. Sonia and Rahul Gandhi have never been able to digest the fact that Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister. I was in Congress for 22 years. I know how and when Gandhi family insulted past Presidents including Giani Zail Singh. Had the new Parliament building been ready during UPA rule, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh would not have been allowed to inaugurate. Instead the chairperson of so-called UPA Sonia Gandhi would have inaugurated it. Had the Congress been worried about an Adivasi woman President, it would not have fielded Yashwant Sinha against Droupadi Murmu in the presidential election."

The Assam CM said: "When I was in Congress, I had good relations with Sonia Gandhi. To the extent, that she sent me to work for the party during Mizoram and Manipur elections. I toiled hard for the party. When my time came, I went to Sonia Ji and asked for her support, but she did not give. Tell me, what is the value of such a relation?"

Starting with the much-anticipated 2023 Roland Garros, Sania Mirza will be a part of the eminent panel on Sony Sports Network’s studio show, Extraaa Serve

Sony Sports Network launches “Home of Tennis” campaign featuring the Indian Tennis legend 

Leading sports broadcaster Sony Sports Network has announced the exclusive onboarding Sania Mirza as the Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network, who will be seen as an expert panelist on the network. Sony Sports Network is the home to three out of the four Grand Slams, the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, US Open, along with the Davis Cup, making it the Home of Tennis in India.

Sania Mirza is a household name in India, and her achievements have put the country on the global tennis map. Having won six Grand Slam titles across Australian Open (2), US Open (2), Roland Garros (1) & Wimbledon (1), including three women's doubles titles and three mixed doubles titles, she is one of the most successful tennis players in Indian history.

Following an illustrious career, where the fans saw her serving up aces on tennis courts, Sania Mirza will now also serve up expert insights off the court on Sony Sports Network’s Extraaa Serve. The Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and Padma Bhushan recipient will be seen on the Sony Sports Network starting with the Roland-Garros on 28th May 2023.

Sony Sports Network has launched a special campaign called Home of Tennis. The campaign showcases Sania Mirza, Sony Sports Network, and the three Grand Slams as a match made in heaven and celebrates her journey as she dons the hat of an expert after retiring from playing tennis. The first film talks about Sania Mirza exclusively partnering with Sony Sports Network. The second film is Sania Mirza presenting Roland Garros, Clay that Slays, to Indian audiences. The third film will showcase Sony Sports Network as the Home to Tennis with all three Grand Slams – Australian Open, Roland Garros and US Open, presented by the Tennis Ace. The fourth film with Sania Mirza will be a teaser for the US Open, which is truly a Glam Slam and will launch in August.

This association with Sania Mirza is yet another step taken by Sony Sports Network to enhance the viewing experience of tennis fans in India. The network has been at the forefront of providing the best tennis content, and this association with Sania Mirza will further strengthen its position in the market.

Comments:

Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India:

“We truly believe that Sania Mirza's expertise and passion for tennis will be a great addition to our team, and we are thrilled to have her as the Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network. This partnership with the Padma Bhushan awardee will further strengthen our position as the premier destination for tennis in India, as well as enhance the viewing experience of tennis fans in India. Sony Sports Network has been at the forefront of providing the best tennis content, and additionally, we are the first broadcasters to telecast the Grand Slams live in multiple regional languages. This initiative has been widely appreciated by viewers across India, as it has taken the sport to a wider audience.”

Sania Mirza, Tennis Legend, and Tennis Ambassador for Sony Sports Network:

“I am very excited to be a part of the Tennis Broadcast with Sony Sports Network post my recent retirement. With a strong portfolio of three of the four Grand Slams, Sony Sports Network is the Home of Tennis in India. It feels great to be part of the network's commitment to bringing the best tennis content to viewers in India.”

Watch the LIVE coverage of Roland Garros 2023 on Sony Sports Ten 5 (English), Sony Sports Ten 2 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi) and Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels starting from 28th May 2023.

After two marvellous days of Knowledge Seminars, and Conclaves by industry experts and creative minds battling it out at the ABBY One Show Awards, the final day of Goafest 2023 is here.

We kickstarted the day in the most spectacular way, yet again! Papon, an Indian Playback Singer, assured the crowd was mesmerised by his voice and persona! The crowd swayed from beginning to end as his tunes, lyrics, harmony, and glorious voice captivated them!

We commenced the final day at Goafest with a Knowledge Seminar by Anymind, titled, Seven Principles For The Future Of Creativity led by Nick Law, Global Creative Chairperson - Accenture Song. This session deep-dived into the necessity of establishing and embodying principles as a brand; to this end, Nick stated, “Every company needs to have consistent principles and dynamic practices. Sometimes, our industry sometimes forgets that it needs to be dynamic.”

Nick has crafted a compelling set of principles that ignite a fresh perspective on the future of creativity. His principles act as a guiding light, illuminating the path forward for artists, designers, marketers, and anyone seeking to harness the power of creative potential. Law offered profound insights and a deep understanding of the ever-changing landscape.

The seven principles for the future of creativity, guided by Nick Law, emphasize the importance of embracing creativity, technology, and its collaboration to drive innovation, create meaningful experiences, and deliver effective creative solutions in the evolving digital landscape, ultimately transforming the way brands connect with audiences and shape the future of advertising.

Following this session, we closed the first half of this eventful day with a sumptuous lunch break.

The first half of Day 3 also witnessed two masterclasses; the first one laid emphasis on storytelling, which was presented by Bharat Avalani, the visionary founder and CEO of Connecting the Dots Marketing Consultancy. With the AFAA's ‘Communicators as Storytellers’ as its focus, the session discussed the art of becoming a business storyteller and the profound role that stories play in shaping brand experiences. As compared to brands, people are naturally interested in people, which is why the masterclass focused on consumer insights, strategy, and brand communication through storytelling.

The second masterclass, Silverpush — Dynamic Video Optimization: Unlocking the Full Potential of Video Advertising by Rahul Joshi, explored Dynamic Video Optimisation, unveiling the immense potential of video advertising and sharing strategies to optimize and leverage its impact for maximum results. A major focus of Rahul's was to build sustainable technology to make marketers excited about videos and drive conversions from them. In addition, the masterclass discussed how advertisers can boost conversions through videos and create tremendous impact through DVO and storytelling. The session ended with Rahul demonstrating how DVO helps advertisers present their products based on region, language, or user behaviour based on Silverpush's Himalaya face wash use case.

Hosted by Manoj Muntashir Shukla, the docuseries premieres on discovery+ and Discovery Channel on June 7

Vadnagar, located in Gujarat's Mehsana district, stands as a captivating example of a city woven intricately into a rich urban tapestry, shaped and moulded over centuries. Its profound historical significance and enduring legacy have stood the test of time, evoking unparalleled admiration. Building upon this timeless allure, Warner Bros. Discovery is set to enthral audiences with the premier of the two-part docuseries, "Ananth Anaadih Vadnagar”, on June 7.

In a collaborative effort with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Gujarat State Survey, and esteemed universities, the dedicated team behind the docuseries embarks on an extraordinary excavation journey. Their mission: to unearth and reveal remarkable archaeological evidence that will captivate audiences in this engrossing series. Guided by the seasoned host, Manoj Muntashir Shukla, the series weaves together the narrative of this eternal city across the ages, breathing life into its people, structures, and events through expert interviews and state-of-the-art 3D visual effects reconstructions.

Manoj Muntashir Shukla said, “The opportunity of hosting this docuseries has been a uniquely reassuring and a learning experience for me, and for that, I am truly grateful to Warner Bros. Discovery. This project marks my first collaboration with them. Despite Vadnagar's widespread recognition, there were numerous fascinating aspects about the city that remained unknown to me, and I am confident that there will also be revelations for many people in India. The discoveries made in the docuseries took me by surprise and I cannot wait for viewers to explore this untold narrative and be equally surprised.

The captivating docuseries explores the enduring history of India's fortified city where each episode delves into a specific era, beginning with Vadnagar's evolution from a modest settlement to a prominent town during the Mauryan Era. The Indo-Greeks constructed imposing fortifications in the 1st Century BCE, while Buddhism thrived with the discovery of numerous monasteries. Vadnagar's significance as a trade hub grew through coin mints, various industries and buzzing marketplaces prove the continued significance of Vadnagar as centre for commerce and trade in Gujarat during ancient and medieval periods. The series also reveals the settlement of Nagar Brahmins from the Hindukush, the amalgamation of faiths, and Vadnagar's resilience in the face of arid conditions. It explores invasions, the rebuilding of the Hatkeshwar temple, and the city's embrace of modernity under the Gaekwad Era. Recent excavations indicate Vadnagar's existence predates the Mauryan era, further solidifying its remarkable 3000-year history.

Sai Abishek, Head of Factual and Lifestyle Cluster, Discovery, South Asia shared, “As pioneers in the history genre, we continue to lead the way with our unique content that resonates with audiences of all ages. Our ever-expanding roster of Indian Originals in the history genre is a testament to our commitment. Recognizing the vast potential of the subject, we are delighted to strengthen our collaboration with Manoj Muntashir Shukla, and the Archaeological Society of India. The intriguing history of Vadnagar, with its unexplored facets, holds even greater significance today and deserves to be explored by audiences in India and around the world.”

The two-part special series, “Ananth Anaadih Vadnagar,” premieres on 7th June, Wednesday at 9:00 pm on Discovery Channel and is available to stream on the discovery+ platform.