Entries for the 2015 Responsible Drinking Media Awards are now open

“The hazardous and harmful use of alcohol is a major global contributing factor to death, disease and injury. The impact of alcohol consumption reaches deep in society, and doesn’t affect just an individual,” says Michael Mabasa, Corporate Relations director: Brandhouse Beverages (Pty) Ltd. “And that is why we, at brandhouse are committed to responsible drinking and are involved in numerous interventions driving this important message to consumers.”

“The awards form part of the company’s ongoing efforts not only to raise consumer awareness about the potentially harmful effects of alcohol abuse, but to positively change behavior and encourage responsible drinking. One of the best ways of doing this is to partner with those who have power and influence, such as the media,” says Mabasa.

Each year brandhouse calls on journalists to use their influence to promote responsible drinking in South Africa, by publishing pieces dealing with responsible drinking and issues that relate to it, such as alcohol abuse, drink driving, underage drinking, foetal alcohol syndrome, binge drinking and alcohol-related violence. Articles published between Thursday, 1 May 2014 and Sunday, 31 May 2015 are accepted.

Journalists may enter only one article per category and are encouraged to visit www.brandhouse.co.za for more information on the entry process.

“Good media reporting isn’t determined by the awards one can win, but rather how it relates to real issues in society in general,” says Ina Skosana of the Mail & Guardian, winner of the 2014 RDMA Award. “Alcohol contributes to traumatic outcomes that kill or disable people, resulting in the loss of many years of life to death and disability. That is why it is important for us as media to write about these issues. To elevate awareness by also drawing from our own experiences.”

Categories for the 2015 RDMAs include: Journalist of the Year, Media House of the Year, Best Newspaper, Best Magazine, Best Broadcast, Best Online Entry, Best Blog, Best Community Media and Best Student Media. Three finalists will be chosen per category.

The winner of each category will receive R15 000. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony to be held in Johannesburg on a date to be confirmed.

The 2014 RDMAs received 167 entries over nine categories.

For more information on the RDMAs and how to enter, visit www.brandhouse.co.za.