The South African Breweries Limited (SAB) yesterday announced the launch of ‘SAB Sports Media Awards 2011.’ The awards were known previously as the ‘SAB Sports Journalist of the Year Awards’ and were established 31 years ago by former SAB marketing director Peter Savory, who had a newspaper past.
SABMiller, one of the world’s largest brewers, with more than 200 beer brands and some 70,000 employees in over 75 countries, presents 14 brands in South Africa. The company has been supporting the South African media for years. For instance, in spring, SABMiller announced that in 2011 it would become a co-sponsor of the David Astor Journalism Awards Trust, the UK based charity which aims to promote, strengthen and support independent journalism in Africa.
The ‘SAB Sports Media Awards’ are aimed to enhance the importance of the media’s role in South Africa’s sporting development and to recognize and reward talent across all sporting media disciplines.
«These awards are now in their 31st year and we decided they needed to evolve to not only remain relevant in a rapidly changing media environment, but also to reflect best global business practice,» says Robyn Chalmers, Head of Media and Communications for SAB. «Although the role of the sports journalist has remained the same over the years, the way they communicate and the platforms that they now use need to be acknowledged.»
This year the entry criteria have been simplified, the judging process made more transparent and the categories have also undergone changes. Recipients can either self-nominate, or be nominated by their respective media houses, in any of the following categories. There are five general categories: Print, Photography, New Media, Radio, and TV. Each is divided into three or four subcategories, defining the best action, moment, presenter etc. The details are available here.
The closing date for entries is September 16. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on November 10.
Earlier this month, Graham Mackay, SABMiller’s Chief Executive announced that SABMiller had an opportunity to acquire Foster’s Group Limited.