Gleaner named Media of the Year
Published:Thursday | July 22, 2010 | 12:00 AM
THE GLEANER Company yesterday copped the 2009 Media of the Year Award at the Advertising Agencies Association of Jamaica (AAAJ) awards luncheon at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston.
It was the second consecutive year that the newspaper was taking home the award, which was collected by a jubilant Gleaner team led by Business Development and Marketing Manager Karin Cooper.
"For us, winning the award represents the kind of service that we want to give to the industry. The entire team is elated that the level of service they consistently provide is recognised by the advertising industry."
The Gleaner Company has won the AAAJ's top media award 13 times since 1989, including nine consecutive years, more than any other media house in Jamaica.
Exceeding the call of duty
Cooper also had praises for The Gleaner's account executives who liaise daily with advertising agencies in ensuring that the paper's service levels exceeded the call of duty.
"Morning, noon, night, weekends, there is no time that they're not accessible to them. It is really encouraging to get the level of recognition that the type of service that they give deserves."
A special presentation was also made to president emeritus and founder of the AAAJ awards, Arnold Foote Sr, for his contributions to the advertising industry.
"It is really good to get this award. The citation is quite moving and it is much appreciated. I'll always treasure and remember this moment," said the retired media executive who created the Media of the Year awards ago.
The Media Personality of the Year Award was presented to Franklyn McKnight, founder and editor of the North Coast Times.
McKnight, a former president of the Press Association of Jamaica, was lauded for contribution to journalism in a career spanning 28 years.
"For me, to receive this honour from your august body is humbling and the award is taken with all the humility I can muster, and I accept it with great value," said McKnight, whose sons, Franz and Matthew, were on hand to see him accept his award.
"It is an encouragement that those who don't necessarily set out to do anything in particular can, every day, make a difference to work towards excellence. It is very hard to do, but I am still working towards it."
Other award categories
Media of the Year awards were presented to media houses in the following categories:
- Print - The Jamaica Observer
- Broadcast Radio - Irie FM
- Broadcast Television - Television Jamaica
- Outdoor Advertising - Caledonia
- Alternative Media - RE TV
- Magazine - Buzzz
- Print House/Printery -Lithographic Printers