A year after being announced as Africa’s best Gen Z publication, Health For Mzansi’s podcast has been nominated for an African Digital Media Award – the continent’s leading prize for news publishers.
Presented by WAN-IFRA, the global organisation for the world’s press, the awards seek to honour publishers who have delivered unique and original digital media projects in the last 12 months.
The shortlist comprises publications who have demonstrated innovative approaches towards digital subscriptions, impactful newsletters and podcasts, and engaging products to connect with readers.
Ronelle Louwrens, Health For Mzansi publisher, said her team is delighted that its podcast has also received a nomination. “Our team has worked hard to deliver informative and engaging content to our audience, and this nomination is a testament to their dedication and creativity.”
According to WAN-IFRA’s competition website, judges in the podcast category are looking for a collaborative effort with entries that showcase the innovative use of audio as a medium for news and information, with features that promote audience engagement and interaction. Along with technical soundness, entries should demonstrate potential for financial sustainability or contributing to revenue goals.
Jo-Ann Prinsloo recently took over the reins of the Health For Mzansi podcast, though the nominated episodes were presented by Noluthando Ngcakani, a former team member. The podcast’s technical producer is Meagan van der Vent.
“These nominations recognise the team’s commitment to innovative and impactful journalism in the healthcare sector in South Africa,” said Ivor Price, co-founder and editor-in-chief of the Food For Mzansi Group.
The competition is open to publishers from across Africa, and South African media outlets have dominated the shortlist this year.
Food For Mzansi, which was founded four years ago, received three nominations for its agriculture news publication. Daily Maverick received four nominations, while News24 and Netwerk24 both received five. Mail & Guardian, along with Nigeria’s GMEM and Pulse, received one nomination each.
A panel of 20 of the world’s finest media experts, including Oliver Bot from Tribune de Genève in Switzerland, Camilla Brække from VG in Norway, Yvette Dimiri from Stears Insights in Nigeria, Mamadou Goundiam from Jeune Afrique in France, and Sarah Hartley from the Google News Initiative in the United Kingdom, judged the entries.
“The team behind both Food For Mzansi and Health For Mzansi is thrilled to be nominated and grateful for the recognition of their hard work,” said Kobus Louwrens, the group’s co-founder and strategy director. “We believe in the transformative power of digital media and its potential to change lives. This recognition really motivates us to push harder.”
The winners of the awards will be announced on Thursday, 13 April.
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