By REGINALD KANYANE
Taung-based community newspaper, Taung DailyNews continues to make inroads and claim its niche within the media space. This comes after TDN newspaper won the Best Online Media House of the Year Award at the glittering North West Media Awards held at Bogosi Lifestyle Farm in Rustenburg on Friday night.
Taung DailyNews editor, Obakeng Maje said the win shows how important the community media is. Maje said Taung DailyNews will continue to bring cutting-edge stories and report independently as always.
“Overall, community media is a powerful source as it empowers people to drive change, creating an inclusive and diverse community. Not only that, but it also allows local businesses to grow and inspire people around them.
“So, we are grateful as Taung DailyNews for receiving this award. It shows that TDN newspaper continues to be an alternative medium of choice for the public. Therefore, it is imperative to take this moment and send our gratitude to our readers, management, advertisers, and all associates for their unwavering support,” he said.
Maje further said as the newspaper continues to bring a pluralistic media ecology within the industry, it is equally important to allow people to exercise their right to freedom of expression. He added that, however, a clear definition and recognition of the law are necessary.
“We would also like to thank the North West Media Awards organizers, including all those who voted for us. So, we call on advertisers to use Taung DailyNews as their medium of advertising.
“Taung DailyNews will continue to form the backbone of local and regional media, so your support will be highly appreciated. We will continue to strive for independent reporting and bring that innovation journalism as it is vital,” concluded Maje.
Meanwhile, the North West Media Awards organiser, Ananius Ndlovu said: “We are celebrating the outstanding achievements in the media industry. So, we are gathered here to commend the media professionals for their hard work and emphasize the crucial role they play in society.
“As the organizer, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and pledge to enhance the event, making it a standout affair on the national stage.”
OVERALL WINNERS OF THE NORTH WEST MEDIA AWARDS 2023
| Communicator of the Year | Boitumelo Boweni (Social Development – Dr. KK District) |
| Community Newspaper of the Year | Mo Media |
| Journalist of the Year | Itumeleng Kgajane (SABC) |
| Photographer of the Year | Thapelo Morebudi (Sunday Times) |
| Poloko Tau Investigative News Story of the Year | Itumeleng Kgajane (SABC) |
| Newsletter of the Year | North West Provincial Government News |
| Current Affairs Programme of the Year | You FM News Hour |
| News Reader of the Year | Irish Motswamere (Vaaltar FM) |
| Newsreader of the Year – Sub Category for Commercial & Public Broadcasters | Dimakatso Genkoe (You FM) |
| Radio Producer of the Year | Welile Congwane (Vaaltar FM) |
| Radio Programme of the Year | Fepa Moya (Vaaltar FM) |
| Radio Programme of the Year – Sub Category for Commercial & Public Broadcasters | Pulse Breakfast (Pulse FM) |
| Radio Presenter of the Year | Katlego Moncho (Vaaltar FM) |
| Radio Presenter of the Year – Sub Category for Commercial & Public Broadcasters | Phenyo Phushudi (Motsweding FM) |
| Sports Presenter of the Year | Thabo Malatse (Madibeng FM) |
| Sports Presenter of the Year – Sub Category for Commercial & Public Broadcasters | Mosela Mokgosi (Motsweding FM) |
| Social Media Platform of the Year | Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality |
| Online Media House of the Year | Taung DailyNews |
| Community Radio Station of the Year | Vaaltar FM |
The Guardian 