Lekan Otufodunrin, Journalist and Media carer specialist writes on the benefits of applying and winning media awards.
Q: I have never applied for a media award even when I think I have good stories that can compete favourably with others. Is there anything wrong with my decision?
A: There is nothing wrong with your decision not to apply for media awards. Winning media awards is not compulsory as a journalist if you are not interested.
Without a media award, you can get promoted in your workplace and be an accomplished journalist.
However, just as there is nothing wrong with not applying for a media award, there is nothing wrong in applying to win.
There are few awards though that you don’t have to apply to be considered. Organisers usually spell out their judging requirements which applicants have to meet to win.
The advantage of applying and winning awards is that your good work gets acknowledged beyond your work place locally and internationally.
Some awards come with cash prizes, work tools and other benefits like traveling opportunities.
When applying for fellowships and jobs, award winners have an advantage of being preferred as their work has been validated by independent judging panels. Organizations like winning awards or their staff winning to boost their image and rating.
To be sure most awards are very competitive and those who win them deserve all the accolades they can get for their efforts.