TRT World collects 4 Lovie Awards for diversity, digital excellence

By Busra Nur Cakmak

ANKARA (AA) - TRT World Digital was declared the winner of four prestigious Lovie Awards on Wednesday.

"The awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), are Europe’s highest honour for excellence in digital media," said Turkish public broadcaster TRT World in a statement.

The 2021 winners have been announced on The Lovie Awards web page, while a virtual ceremony to be held at 14 GMT on Wednesday.

The 11th edition of the event saw nearly 1,000 entries from 30 European countries.

TRT Word's digital video series, I've Got a Story to Tell, was named a Gold Lovie winner in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category.

I've Got a Story to Tell was also declared a winner of the People’s Lovie Award for the same category.

The award-winning 34-episode series -- produced and presented by Ahmed Ghoneim -- provides an eye-catching, light-hearted, and soulful reflection on issues ranging from politics, racism, culture, history, and sports.

"The People’s Lovie Award was awarded after nearly 55,000 public votes were cast to determine the best video series in the same category," the statement added.

Love Jihad -- produced by Ahmer Khan -- another digital video by the Turkish-based news channel, was also honored with a Gold Lovie. It was also shortlisted in the news and politics category.

The project, managed by Executive Producer Tulin Tezel, was also declared winner of People’s Lovie Award in the same category.

“TRT World has excelled in its category, showing fantastic prowess in digital innovation and creativity,” said the statement citing Nicolas Roope, executive chair of the IADAS and a creative partner of POKE London, a digital creative agency.

“This award is a testament to the skill, ingenuity, and vision of its creators,” added Roope.

"The Gold Lovie is the highest recognition awarded by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, a global organisation of industry experts and technology innovators," the statement added.

Citing Ahmed El Amraoui, TRT World's digital manager, the statement added: “The Gold and People’s Lovie Awards reflect TRT World’s digital success in pursuing human-value journalism with creativity and the highest levels of production standards since inception a few years ago. Our diverse staff of journalists, reporters, editors and graphic designers have proven success in compelling local stories to global audience.”

“I am very proud of the team, and I am certain there will be more to come,” El Amraoui added.

"The Lovie Awards presents Gold, Silver and Bronze winners as chosen by IADAS members. In addition, the online public vote for their favourite Finalists takes home The People’s Lovie Award in each category," the statement added.