Journalists recognized for their outstanding work
By Alfred Pagepitu
The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) over the weekend awarded journalists with special recognition for their outstanding work in the media industry.
11 awards were presented to journalists and media organizations during the MASI Media Excellence Award ceremony held at the Heritage Park Hotel on Saturday with the theme “Celebrating the strength and spirit of Solomon Islands Media.”
Speaking at the event, Keynote Speaker and New Zealand High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Jonathan Schwass, commended journalists for their hard work in reporting on national events.
“I would like to commend all the journalists for your excellent work under the conditions that are not easy. Reporting on the Pacific Games and the combined joint election has shown your dedication,” he added.
Schwass expressed his anticipation for the journalists to cover the upcoming events, such as the Pacific Island Forum (PIF) that Solomon Islands will host in 2025, which he described as a significant event.
MASI President Georgina Kekea encouraged MASI members to take ownership of the Media Association and expressed her hope for an even bigger MASI awards event in 2026.
She thanked the members, award winners, and participants for their contributions to the MASI award night.
Kekea also encouraged young journalists to rise, as MASI is here to support its members. She also expressed her gratitude to the major sponsors who contributed to the MASI awards.
SIBC’s Chief Executive Officer Johnson Honimae congratulated SIBC and the three individual awardees, including Fredrick Kusu – Online Journalist of the Year, Eliza Kukutu – Radio Journalist of the Year, and Cheryl Bera – Production Award, for their excellent work.
Honimae also congratulated other media colleagues for winning their various awards and MASI for organizing the successful event.
The full list of MASI 2022 Media Awards winners is provided below:
- Print Journalist of the Year – Ulutah Gina (Solomon Star)
- Online Journalist of the Year – Fredrick Kusu (SIBC)
- TV Journalist of the Year – Christina Leong (ABC Pacific)
- Radio Journalist of the Year – Eliza Kukutu (SIBC)
- Court Reporter of the Year – Assumpta Sunilla (Solomon Star)
- Sports Reporter of the Year – LTon Jnr (Island Sun)
- Broadcaster of the Year – Lisa Osifelo (Tavuli News)
- Production Award – Cheryl Bera (SIBC)
- Technology Award – Tavuli News – Solomon Islands
- Editor of the Year Award – Mavis Nishimura Podokolo (Island Sun)
- Organisation of the Year Award – Tavuli News – Solomon Islands
Special Recognition Awards:
- Sunday Isles
- In-depth Solomons
- SIBC
ENDS///