Gemini News bags UNICEF-CMS award

Hyderabad: Gemini News was adjudged as the most child-sensitive channel for UNICEF-CMS award at a glittering function at Taj Deccan Hotel here on Tuesday. In all twelve awards were given to the various channels for telecasting news, programmes, talk shows, documentaries, protection of the rights of children.

Speaking on the occasion Assembly Speaker Nadendla Manohar has referred to the efforts made by HMTV and TV 9 in highlighting the miseries of people affected by fluoride in Nalgonda district. For the consecutive fifth year, the HMTV has bagged the UNICEF award for the programme on ‘food security –lack of welfare’. The programme was produced by Sajaya of Caring Citizens Collective. The Speaker was the chief guest at the function organised by UNICEF to present awards to various media houses on issues like children’s rights, health, education and other problems.

Delhi-based Centre for Media Studies scrutinises the programmes for three months and select them for the awards.

The UNICEF’s representatives Sony Kutti George, Prasoon Sen announced the media awards in a glittering function at a five-star hotel here on Tuesday. The UNICEF has been striving for the last half decade to bring awareness on gender sensitisation and discrimination of girl child by presenting awards to the media houses for producing various programmes on such issues.

The UNICEF presented the most child-sensitive award to Gemini News Channel and the HMTV bagged the best documentary award. Vanita Channel secured two awards.

Celebrities like Amala Akkineni, Santa Sinha, Sekhar Kammula and Centre for Media Studies director P Vasanthi were also present.

Social activist Amala Akkineni praised the efforts of UNICEF to bring awareness throughout the world regarding the rights of children.

Magsayay awardee Santa Sinha said that the media has the onerous responsibility of protecting the rights of children. Movie director Sekhar Kammula said that the issues would augur well into the society if the film actresses were appointed as brand ambassadors.

Anita Medasani, head of Hyderabad unit of CMS, proposed a vote of thanks.

Special jury award for Amme Kavali, a programme on girl child abuse, went to Zee 24 Hours. Other programmes that also got the award are: Hearing impaired children (Gemini News), Juvenile Justice Panel Discussion (Vanita), and coverage on children dying of diphtheria (Gemini News),

Right to Education Act (Vanita Channel), ‘Public service message on Nutrition food -our Right (ABN Andhra Jyoti), programme on child education ‘Ganta Mogindi’ (Zee 24 Hours), and news story on RTE ‘Mem Chaduvukuntam’ (NTV).