Over the past 26 years, the SAB Sports Journalist of the Year Awards has established itself as the most prestigious awards for journalists covering developments in the world of sport. This year, the competition attracted 222 entries across the four main categories and nine sub-categories
"The judges were guided in their judging by three main criteria: integrity, overall quality and impact, as well as tailoring the writing or broadcasting for a particular target audience and balance," explains SAB communications manager Michael Farr. "In addition to this, elements like style, factual accuracy, originality, fairness and regular exposure will have a significant impact on determining the final winners."
The various categories make it possible for journalists from a variety of media to enter and include Print and Internet, Radio, Television and overall Newcomer of the Year, along with the award for The Most Media-Friendly Personality, introduced last year for the first time. The Judges Hall of Fame Award is especially significant, with the list of previous inductees including Gerhard Viviers, Ernie Duffield , Herman le Roux, Dan Setshedi, and Ray Williams. The top sports journalist will be rewarded with accolades and prizes comprising R12 500 per category and R2500 per sub-category.
Convened by Joe Latakgomo, the judging panel for this year's print and internet awards included Paula Fray, Bokkie Gerber (Rapport), Guy Hawthorne (The Daily Sun), Gert Kotze and Bronwyn Wilkinson.
Jan Snyman convened the panel for broadcast media, with a line-up of judges including Joe Visagie (SABC Sport), André Venter (M-Net Supersport), Dan Retief (Supersport Zone), Arthur Molisiwa (The Star), Robin Kempthorne and Dan Setshedi.
