A heart-warming story of a 73-year-old dad was named the 2020 Report of the Year.
Due to the Covid-19 and government restrictions winners to a select number of awards in journalism, radio and stage were announced digitally on Thursday 19 November. The 2020 Report of the Year finalists were a mix of investigations, inspiring stories and work which aims to raise taboo issues affecting all communities.
On hand to announce the award was TV’s Nitin Ganatra who shared his own message of hope to viewers.
In Minreet Kaur and Ben Moore’s ‘Skipping Sikh’ for BBC News we hear from Rajinder Singh Harzall who wanted to inspire others to keep fit during difficult times during lockdown. Minreet had not worked since mid-February so took it on herself to produce this story. The video was shared across the world.
Minreet said, “I’m really humbled to receive this award. This was a joint effort where my colleague Ben Moore and I worked on this together as one of the first reports when we went into lockdown and I was coached on how to film this and Ben edited it.
“This is my first TV report for BBC South and as this is my dad the idea came from us wanting to inspire the community to stay active but we never knew it would become a global story. My dad received an MBE for inspiring millions. I’m so proud of his efforts and so grateful to everyone who’s supported my dad.
“We are so honoured to receive this award. It’s a milestone for me I’ll never forget this and I’m just over the moon to know the skipping sikh won report of the year. We will celebrate through another skipping challenge for lockdown 2. Bless you everyone and stay safe, stay active and stay positive.”
This year’s Asian Media Awards ceremony took place digitally on Thursday 19 November.
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.
The University of Salford are premier sponsors and partners to the awards include ITV, MediaCom, Reach PLC, M.E.N, & Press Association Training.
The awards are also supported by Manchester Metropolitan University, Routes Into Languages North West, AMT Lawyers, DKR Accountants, 6G Internet, Hilton Manchester Deansgate, Supreme Dream Events, Payal Events & Cleartwo.
