At the 2005 Qantas Media Awards held in Auckland on 20th May, broadcast journalists were acknowledged for their contribution to New Zealand arts journalism. Creative New Zealand has been sponsoring the arts journalism categories of the Qantas Media Awards since 1996 as part of its arts advocacy work. Peter Biggs, Chair of Creative New Zealand, says the organisation sponsors the arts journalism categories to encourage both the quality and quantity of arts coverage in the New Zealand media. “This is the tenth year we’ve been sponsoring the Qantas Media Awards,” Mr Biggs said. “Over the years, the standard of arts journalism has increased greatly and these awards acknowledge all those involved in producing the best arts stories in the country. “The artistic achievements of our small country are extraordinary and Creative New Zealand is constantly working with the media to ensure that the work of New Zealand artists is recognised and reported. “I’d like to congratulate this year’s winners and finalists. My warm thanks for providing the topical, engaging arts stories that New Zealanders want to hear and see.” The arts journalism award for Radio News Reporter was presented to Tarek Bazley of Radio New Zealand for his story, Gore’s great art coup. The arts journalism award for Television News Reporter was presented to Mike Jaspers, One News, for his story, Oscars triumph. For further information, CLICK HERE.