Deputy Political Editor at ITV News, Anushka Asthana was named Manchester Metropolitan University Journalist of the year at the Asian Media Awards.
Journalists and broadcasters joined actors and presenters at the 12th ceremony, which celebrated achievements in a range of categories in TV, radio, stage, online and creative media.
The ceremony took place at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate on Friday October 25.
Anushka is a political journalist with more than 20 years of experience.
Accepting the award on stage she said: “When I first joined the political lobby there were no brown faces at all.
“It is our community that has lifted me up every step of the way.
“At ITV News and now at ITN. Massive shout out to the Empower Network and supporting all of us.
“Thank you to all my mazing producers and colleagues. Thank you to mum and dad.
“I lost my brother very young who was bipolar, and I would like to dedicate this award to him.”
Anushka was presented the award by Lecturer of Languages, Information and Communications at the Manchester Metropolitan University, Sabah Boustila. The University has supported the night’s highest journalism honour since the awards were established in 2013.
Anushka’s passion lies in demonstrating how in-depth, forensic investigative journalism, infused with humanity, can be harnessed by political reporters to effect real change. As well as reporting on the biggest political stories in the past year, she has delivered agenda-setting scoops on a range of issues, including equal pay, the Bibby Stockholm, and the Rwanda plan.
Her investigation into the equal pay scandal was initially dismissed by Birmingham City Council, but undeterred, she proceeded with her exclusive report, unveiling new claims in Cumbria, Coventry, Dundee, and Sunderland.
A month later, when Birmingham City Council issued a section 114 notice, effectively declaring bankruptcy, they acknowledged that equal pay was a significant contributing factor.
Since Anushka’s investigation into pay disparities within councils, the number of campaigns to close the pay gap has surged fivefold from five to 25, with legal cases emerging in 15 regions.
This year’s Asian Media Awards winners were announced at the Hilton Manchester Deansgate on Friday October 25.
Previous recipients of an Asian Media Award include Krishnan Guru-Murthy, Waris Hussein, Art Malik, Mehdi Hasan, Nina Wadia, Anita Rani, Shobna Gulati, Faisal Islam, Kulvinder Ghir, Adil Ray, Lisa Aziz, Meera Syal, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Tina Daheley & Mihir Bose.
The University of Salford are Premier Partners to the Asian Media Awards.
Partners to the awards include ITV, EssenceMediacom, Reach PLC, Women In Journalism & Lancashire Mind.
The awards are also supported by Manchester Metropolitan University, AMT Lawyers, DKR Accountants, Opus Broadband, Janan, Hilton Manchester Deansgate, Fritz AV, Payal Events & Cleartwo.
