Media Releases

Canon Media Awards Recognise RNZ Journalism

Released at 8:02 am on 14 June 2016

RNZ's journalism has been recognised with three major awards at the Canon Media Awards announced in Wellington on Friday May 20.

RNZ website The Wireless, which is co-funded by NZ On Air, was named best website, while Toby Manhire and Toby Morris won the best opinion general writing section for their weekly column on rnz.co.nz and Tess McClure won the best junior feature writer section.

Rnz.co.nz was also a finalist in the best website, best news or app and best coverage of a major news event sections.

Journalist Alex Ashton was a finalist in the junior reporter category, while Luke McPake, for his work with The Wireless, was a finalist in the videographer of the year and feature video sections.

RNZ chief executive Paul Thompson emphasised the importance of the awards.

“We are delighted with the great results tonight. Competing in the Canon Media Awards allows us to measure our worth against colleagues who represent the very best in New Zealand journalism.

“These awards showcase excellence in New Zealand news and current affairs, the websites and their contributing journalists.  Ours success tonight marks further progress in RNZ’s transition from a traditional radio broadcaster to a successful multi-platform media organisation.” 

Success in the Canon Media Awards comes just a week after organisers of the New York Festival Radio Awards announced that RNZ had an unprecedented nine finalists in the prestigious international competition. 

Winners of the New York awards will be announced at a gala dinner in New York on 20^th June.