By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

Diageo SA has announced the name of nominees for the 7th Responsible Drinking Media Awards. The RDMAs representative, Nicci Mitchell said that they have received more than 300 entries.

Mitchell said: “The Best Newspaper – Nicole Arend (Varsity Newspaper), Le Roux Schoeman (Die Burger) and Zoe Mohapo (The Sowetan) were nominated, while Sharlene Rood (News 24), Daphne Grundling (Netwerk 24) and Le Roux Schoeman (Netwerk 24) were nominated for the Best Online.

“Thosw who were nominated for the Best Magazine were Ernusta Maralack (Kuier) and Kieran Legg (Men’s Health), while Mohau Mamafha & Eusebius McKaiser (Talk Radio 702), Cleopatra Jones (SABC 3’s Special Assignment), Nomfundo Mzolo (Gagasi FM) and Veronique Smal (MFM) will compete for the Best Broadcast.”

Mitchell added that Nomfundo Mzolo (Gagasi FM), Veronique Smal (MFM) and Simphiwe Dlamini (Ugu Youth Radio) were nominated for the Best Community Media category. He

Best Best Up & Coming – Veronique Smal (MFM), Nomfundo Mzolo (Gagasi FM) and Cleopatra Jones (SABC 3’s Special Assignment)

“The RDMAs recognise journalists and media at large for their efforts to positively influence perceptions and habits related to the irresponsible use of alcohol. The awards are open to South African journalists who produce content that relates to responsible drinking and the impact of alcohol abuse, including issues such as drink driving, underage drinking, foetal alcohol syndrome, binge drinking and alcohol-related violence.

“Any published material on any media platform that aims to support this cause is eligible to enter the awards and win a prize. The 2017 judging panel was a mix of media experts consisting of media and reputation strategist Joanne Botha, author and former editor Ryland Fisher, TV anchor and celebrity media personality, Leanne Manas, news analyst and columnist Angelo Fick and former editor and political analyst, Mpumelelo Mkhabela,” Mitchell.

“The number of entries into this year’s Awards has been outstanding,” says Joanne Botha who has sat on the RDMA judging panel for the past three years.

Botha said the fact that so many media are writing about responsible drinking issues is a testament to how passionate they are about the topic and how relevant these stories are to the society.

“The winner of each category will walk away with R15 000 and a public acknowledgment for their efforts to help combat alcohol abuse in South Africa. There will also be an award for Journalist of the Year for the overall best entry, as well as for Media House of the Year for the media house with the most unique entries.

“Winners will be announced at an official awards ceremony on 31 August 2017. People can visit our website visithttps://diageordma.co.za/. for information on the awards. Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, The Singleton, Talisker & Lagavulin whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice,” he said.

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