KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 5 — Al Jazeera has been crowned ‘Cable & Satellite Channel Of The Year’ as well as ‘Network Of The Year’ at the Asian TV Awards in Singapore over the weekend. The TV channel received the double accolade after winning five awards in various categories in programmes and online.
101 East, which is produced out of its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, picked up two awards as cameraman Matt Allard won ‘Best Cinematography’ for his work for "On Thin Ice: India's National Ice Hockey Team" which followed the fortunes of India's ice hockey team.
For the second consecutive year 101 East presenter Steve Chao picked up Best Current Affairs Presenter, while Al Jazeera's Nagieb Khaja received a commendation for the same category. 101 East also picked up another commendation for "Too Young to Wed" in the Social Awareness category.
Al Jazeera's Witness picked up two awards for "China Fake Boyfriends" for Best Social Awareness Programme and Best Direction by Daniel Holmes.
"China's Fake Boyfriends" tells the story of Li Chenxi, a single woman who is under pressure to find a partner and settle down. The programme documents her decision to commit the ultimate deception by hiring a handsome boyfriend in Beijing to take home to meet her family and friends.
"India Menstruation Man" which was directed by Dirk Gilson and the AJE Digital Video Team won the prize for ‘Best Digital Non Fiction.’
The AJE Short digital film told the story of Arunachalam Muruganantham who was obsessed with making the perfect sanitary pad for his wife. After years of work, his invention has changed the lives of millions of women in India.
“We are delighted and honoured to win the ‘Cable & Satellite Channel Of The Year’ as well as ‘Network Of The Year’ at what is the most significant and celebrated event in the Asian TV industry. Especially as this is the first time any news channel has won both awards on the same night,” said acting Managing Director of Al Jazeera English, Giles Trendle.
“Al Jazeera English is an important player in the international news and current affairs market – and our remit includes bold journalism and covering compelling stories in the Asia region through our news coverage, documentaries and digital content. We are thrilled to get such recognition for the important work we do.”
Launched in 1996, Asian Television Awards is the Asian TV industry’s most significant and celebrated event, recognising excellence in programming, production and performance.
