Journalism is a vital public service rather than just a profession, Avbob group CEO Eugene Strauss told guests at the annual FCJ Excellence Awards.
Strauss was the guest speaker at the event in Pretoria on Friday (August 21).

“It is a privilege to host you for the first time in Pretoria, and I am personally honoured to be attending these awards for the very first time. A special welcome to this year’s nominees. This evening celebrates your dedication and commitment to serving communities through journalism.

“It is often said that while a social contract builds a state, a social covenant builds a society,” he said. “A social covenant is the invisible glue that binds communities together, creating trust, mutual responsibility and shared purpose.

“For 108 years, South Africans have entrusted Avbob with some of their most important promises, many of which are only called upon during some of the most difficult moments in life. The foundation of that trust is the understanding that our individual well-being is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities in which we live and work.

“That belief has shaped the partnerships we have built with our members and society over many decades. It is also why we remain committed to supporting a free, fair and accountable society.”

Recognising excellence

This year marks the fifth Avbob FCJ Excellence Awards. What began in 2022 has grown into a platform that now recognises excellence across 20 categories, with 280 journalists honoured since the awards were established.

Over the years, the competition has also attracted more than 2 000 submissions from community journalists across South Africa, representing dozens of publications that continue to inform, connect and serve their communities despite the significant pressures facing the media industry.

“Your work reflects a shared commitment to strengthening society,” Strauss said. “Strong communities are built on accountability, trust and access to reliable information. They depend on you to keep them informed about issues that affect their daily lives and to represent their voices in public conversations.

“At Avbob, our covenant with society is rooted in a simple belief: institutions should not only serve society, but they should also help strengthen it. The same principle guides our support for community journalism.

“We do not support community journalism because we expect favourable coverage, nor because community publications provide a convenient channel for distributing press releases. We support free media or press is fundamental to a healthy community, and every institution operating within that community has a stake in its future. That is why the work you do matters.”

Telling stories that matter

Strauss said local journalism often tells stories that might otherwise go untold. It shines a light on issues that directly affect communities. It highlights local achievements, addresses local concerns and gives voice to local aspirations. In doing so, it strengthens the relationship between institutions and the communities they serve.

“And if we are serious about that relationship, we must also accept the responsibilities that come with it.
“We cannot celebrate journalism only when it tells stories we want to hear. Nor can we claim to be partners of the media if we expect that partnership to soften scrutiny.

“An award cannot fully measure the value of good journalism, but it can recognise work that deserves attention. It can celebrate excellence, commitment and service to the communities you represent.

“The standards you set matter far beyond this room. Your work informs communities, strengthens accountability and contributes to the kind of society we all want to build.
“Keep telling stories that matter and empower society.”