The Farsons Foundation extended its sponsorship for the Press Photography category of the Malta Journalism Awards 2005, organised by the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IGM). Although this year, more leading companies have joined for the first time as main sponsors of these national journalistic awards, The Farsons Foundation has been one of the leading and initial organisations which has supported this competition since it was established in 1991.
Mr Anthony J. Tabone, member of the Board of Trustees of The Farsons Foundation, presented the cheque to Mr Malcolm J. Naudi, IGM Chairman, in the presence of Mr Joe A. Vella, IGM General Secretary and Mr Hyacinth Muscat, Secretary of The Farsons Foundation. The presentation of the sponsorship was held at the Farsons Brewery.
For this year’s edition, there are three new categories, bringing the overall total of categories to twelve. The new categories include Cultural Tourism, Print Journalism (Features) and the Journalist of the Year Award. The winner of the latter will be presented with an attachment with a UK based newspaper or broadcasting station.
The Press Photography, however, is one of the first original awards. The Farsons Foundation has supported several initiatives launched by the Institute since it was established as The Press Club in 1989. The Farsons Foundation, in fact, has been associated with Press Photography since the early 1990s. This category attracts excellent submissions, both in terms of numbers and in quality. All leading Maltese press photographers take part in this category.
Meanwhile, the submissions for the Malta Journalism Awards 2005 closed last month. For this year’s edition, the IGM received a record number of 54 submissions. This year’s edition promises to be one of the most interesting editions. The IGM’s decision to include more categories in this competition has given the desired results as it has resulted in a broader participation.
The special category in the Malta Journalism Awards is the Gold Award, sponsored by BPC. The award is given to a nominated person who has excelled in the field of journalism, and/or has contributed substantially towards the development of journalism in Malta.
Mr Tabone said: “The Farsons Foundation which encourages the various forms of Maltese art and culture feels that the Press Photography category of the Malta Journalism Awards is a showcase of the best photo journalism Malta has to offer. Farsons has always upheld its corporate social responsibility and this sponsorship is therefore very much in line with our Foundation’s mission.”
IGM Chairman thanked Mr Tabone for the Foundation’s longstanding support, not only towards the Malta Journalism Awards, but also towards journalism in general. Mr Naudi said that such a support demonstrates the exemplary role which The Farsons Foundation plays in the Maltese society.