Northcliff Melville Times shines as the best of the best at community journalism awards
Making a splash at the Avbob FCJ Excellence Awards, the Northcliff Melville Times walked away with the Best Front Pages award, as well as second place for Best Free Newspaper.
The Northcliff Melville Times has once again proven its journalistic excellence, walking away with top honours at the prestigious Avbob Forum of Community Journalists (FCJ) Excellence Awards.
Northcliff Melville Times clinched the coveted title of Best Front Pages and proudly secured second place in the Best Free Newspaper category, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted voice and leader in community news.
The paper’s front pages were praised for their striking visual appeal, impactful photography, and clever use of sub-headlines to create an engaging and reader-friendly layout.
Read more: Northcliff Melville Times wins Best Front Page at AVBOB FCJ Excellence Awards
It was also a night of celebration for the paper’s sister publications. The Rosebank Killarney Gazette secured second place in the Best Front Pages category, while the Sandton Chronicle scooped the coveted title of Best Free Newspaper.
The prestigious awards, adjudicated by Dr André Gouws, from Akademia, attracted a record-breaking 541 entries this year, across categories ranging from hard news and human-interest reporting, to photography and design. Winners were announced at a glittering gala dinner on August 22 at the Protea Hotel Stellenbosch and Conference Centre.
The FCJ is a national organisation dedicated to recognising and supporting excellence in community media across South Africa. Through initiatives such as the annual Avbob FCJ Excellence Awards, it honours the crucial role of local newspapers in giving voice to communities, telling their stories, holding power accountable, and building trust through hyperlocal journalism.
This year’s triumphs highlight, not only the Northcliff Melville Times’ commitment to excellence, but also the enduring trust and relevance of community newspapers in South Africa.
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This success would not have been possible without the dedication and talent of the entire team. Special recognition goes to journalists Neo Phashe and Waydon Jacobs, whose storytelling continues to resonate with readers.
Behind the scenes, the meticulous work of our sub-editors, the creativity of our production team, and the commitment of our sales and admin departments have all played an essential role in ensuring the paper’s ongoing excellence and strong connection with its community.
“These accolades reaffirm the power of community journalism to make a difference within the communities we serve,” said editor Aimee McGill. “We are deeply honoured and grateful to our readers, whose trust and support drive us to deliver impactful stories in every edition.”
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