Mathrubhumi’s Mohammed Sabith wins KA Francis media award

Kottayam: Mathrubhumi Online Content Writer U.M Mohammed Sabith has been awarded  the media award instituted by the Kottayam Press Club in memory of K.A Francis, former Editor-in-Charge of Malayala Manorama Weekly and former president of the Kottayam press club. The award consists of Rs 25,000, a plaque and a certificate. Arunima Jayan of Manorama Online also received a special mention from the jury.

The award recognises the best reports published in 2023 in newspapers, T.V along with online media. Entries were also accepted from KUWJ (Kerala Union of Working Journalists) members working in other online media outlets.

The increasing use of social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook and Instagram and dangers of live streaming, online drug sales, sexual exploitation, online gaming, online gambling, etc among children in the post-covid era and the prevalent psychological stress, isolation, cases of suicide and disappearances among children were covered by Sabith in a series of reports that made him eligible for the award. 

Arunima Jayan received a special mention for her report on the practice of freezing eggs and getting pregnant at will that is becoming prevalent in Kerala. The report analysed the scientific and social aspects of egg freezing, which began in other countries but is widespread in Kerala today. 

The award winners were selected by a jury consisting of senior journalist and former director of Thiruvananthapuram press club Institute of journalism , Rishi K Manoj, Deepika ‘Karshakan’ Editor-in_charge Jimmy Philip and Malayala Manorama Assistant Editor A.K Ravindran.