University picks PDI as top national broadsheet

TRINITIANS’ CHOICE Inquirer associate publisher Juliet Javellana receives on the newspaper’s behalf the trophy for Best National Broadsheet in the 2021 Platinum Stallion National Media Awards of Trinity University of Asia. The Quezon City-based university gives annual recognition to individuals and groups who excel in “educating the public through the media and allied arts.”

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) was recognized as the Best National Broadsheet in the 2021 Platinum Stallion National Media Awards of Trinity University of Asia (TUA).

Now on their seventh year, the awards are given by the Quezon City-based TUA (formerly Trinity College) in recognition of individuals or groups who excel in “educating the public through the media and allied arts.”

Up to 30 awardees were feted this year from the print, online and broadcast media in a program livestreamed on Saturday.

The honorees were chosen based on a university-wide survey involving not only Trinitian students and faculty but also the alumni community, nonteaching personnel and other stakeholders.

According to the citation, the Inquirer was chosen as the top Philippine broadsheet “in recognition of its zeal for public service’’ and for its “inspiring accomplishments and outstanding contributions in the growth and furtherance of the media industry.’’

Inquirer associate publisher Juliet Javellana, who received the Platinum Stallion trophy on the paper’s behalf, said the Inquirer was “honored and humbled by this recognition for [its] contribution in empowering our people with accurate, timely and essential information.”

In a video message, Javellana said the university’s national media awards “affirm the vital role of media in our democracy” at a time when the public and journalists themselves have to deal with “the pandemic of disinformation and attempts to shrink our democratic space.”

Role in democracy

“This year is also critical as we head to the elections of 2022 to choose a new president and other leaders who we hope can lead us out this dark period in our history,” she said.

The award will inspire the Inquirer, which is marking its 36th founding anniversary on Dec. 9, “to keep doing our job despite the odds,” Javellana added. “The pandemic has given us extraordinary challenges and like everyone else, we at the Inquirer have faced difficulties. But the trust and support of our readers have kept us focused on fulfilling our mission.’’

Other Platinum Stallion awardees include 2021 Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa of Rappler, the recipient of the “Citadel of Truth” award; and veteran TV journalist Howie Severino, who received recognition for his documentary about his personal struggles as a COVID-19 patient.

GMA Network won as TV Station of the Year and Best Regional TV Network, while dzBB won as Best AM Radio Station. ABS-CBN’s Teleradyo won as Best Digital News Station.