When I was asked to host the launch of the first Ethnic Media Awards by the team at the Leicester based news agency Pukaar News, I was delighted to accept.
Journalism is only truly representative if you have reporters from a diverse range of backgrounds who can chart life across our communities with authority. These awards honour the people past and present who are making that happen.
The launch ceremony was held at the House of Lords which was an entirely appropriate location for a very special set of awards. We couldn’t publicly reveal the location of the event beforehand due to very strict security which extended to airport style baggage and body searches upon arrival.
But what a night it was. A grand environment, right next to the River Thames but there was no strict formality in the room. The atmosphere was one of celebration and it felt a very intimate occasion. Everyone tends to know everyone else in journalism and it was wonderful to see and honour friends and colleagues who were recipients of the Life Achievement and Outstanding Contribution awards.
I have to confess to a few pre-match nerves ahead of such a prestigious occasion, but the Pukaar Group team was made so welcome by our hosts, The Lord and Lady Shiekh, that these melted away and it proved to be a wonderful night full of joy and laughter. The winners all agreed the Ethnic Media Awards are an important new set of honours when it comes to representation and inclusion and nominations are now open for the main event in 2023.