The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to revive the prestigious journalist awards for outstanding contributions to the media sector after a gap of nearly eight years. The awards will be presented for the year 2025-26, as announced by CR Media Academy Chairman Alapati Suresh Kumar on Wednesday.
Announcement and Committee Formation
Addressing a press conference at the Media Academy office in Vijayawada alongside Information and Public Relations Director K S Viswanathan, Suresh Kumar stated that the government has constituted a four-member committee to oversee the selection and presentation of the awards.
The committee includes former India Today editor A A V Prasad, Andhra Kesari University in-charge Vice-Chancellor Professor D V R Murthy, retired High Court Judge Justice Satyanarayana Murthy, and Information Department Director K S Viswanathan as member convener.
Award Categories and Cash Prizes
Officials confirmed that a total of 12 awards will be presented as per earlier guidelines issued during the united Andhra Pradesh period. While some awards will be decided directly by the committee, applications will be invited for others.
The lifetime achievement award carries a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh. The best journalist and best photo journalist awards each include Rs 2 lakh. The remaining awards will carry prize money of Rs 1 lakh each.
Eligibility Criteria
The chairman clarified that minimum professional experience, not accreditation status, will be the basis for eligibility. This ensures that experienced journalists who may not hold accreditation can also be considered.
Timeline and Guidelines
Officials said detailed guidelines and application deadlines will be announced shortly, with the award presentation likely to take place in July. This revival aims to recognize and encourage excellence in journalism in the state.
This initiative underscores the government's commitment to honoring media professionals and fostering a vibrant media landscape in Andhra Pradesh.
