Luanda - The Secretary of State for Media Nuno Caldas called Thursday in Luanda for an urgent reflection on the paths to follow for constructive and excellence in communication .
According to the secretary of state, the reflection aims to improve the performance of the role of the media expected by society, which consists of "informing with quality, truth, impartiality, rigor, objectivity, responsibility and a patriotic sense".
Speaking at the award ceremony to award National Journalism Prize winners, the minister said the media plays an increasingly important role in modern societies.
The Secretary of State discouraged and condemned all forms of attacks on press freedom and freedom of expression, having reaffirmed the government's support for media professionals in their arduous task of informing and educating society.
"The government will continue to ensure the protection of media professionals and guarantee the full exercise of the right to freedom of expression and the press, for the good of Angola and all Angolans," the minister said.
Nuno Caldas added that freedom of the press is enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Angola and therefore needs to be defended, including by the professional organizations that operate in the media sector.
On Thursday, the winners of the 2023 edition of the National Journalism Award received certificates, trophies and prize money.
The prize was established in May 2007 by Presidential Decree and is valued at an overall 16.2 million Kwanzas, with the winners in each category receiving 500,000 Kwanzas for third place, 1.5 million for second place and 2.5 million for first place.
The prize covers the written press, Radio, TV and Photojournalism categories.
Nguxi dos Santos, winner in the "Television" category, expressed his gratitude for the award and called on journalists to provide more coverage and publicize content that portrays national culture.
Pelicano Baptista, winner of the "Radio" category, said he was grateful for the award having considered it an honor for a long career .
The first edition of the award took place in 2008, with the aim of honoring creativity and research to enhance the competence, merit and professionalism of Angolan journalists.
It covers work in any of the journalistic creations, in the Press, Radio, Television and Photojournalism categories, which has been produced, broadcast or published in the previous year. ANM/OHA/AMP
