In the Spotlight

The Covid effect still affects the world and therefore also sport. The work of sport journalists this year has been difficult again and, given that we have received many requests in this sense, the Organizing Committee of the AIPS Sport Media Awards has decided to extend the submissions by one month, until November 4th 2021.

Many of us working in sports media, especially those of us in democracies, take our press freedom for granted. But in light of several events in different countries over the last few months, the NSMA -- as a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) and AIPS of the Americas -- would like to reiterate our support for the rights of all journalists to be able to do their jobs without fear of reprisal.

TOKYO, August 11, 2021 – On the eve of the Closing Ceremony of the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, AIPS President Gianni Merlo shared his thoughts on the press operations of the event, which offered jaw-dropping sporting spectacles for the ages, in spite of being held under a state of emergency and largely behind closed doors. He also looked ahead to Beijing 2022 scheduled to take place in six months. Before then, however, the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games - the biggest Para sports event in the world – will take centre stage from August 24 to September 5, 2021.

LAUSANNE, April 28, 2021 - The AIPS Sport Media Awards 2021 have begun its search for the best sports storytellers across the world and it takes only a few easy steps to be a part of this incredible celebration, which promotes sports media excellence and plays a role in the fight against the threats affecting the world of journalism in our era – especially in this period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Submissions are open until October 4, 2021.
Here’s how to join.

BUENOS AIRES, June 20, 2021 - Amid deadly dictatorships and with countless journalists killed, Latin America has actively fought for free speech in the past decades.

Every victory in free speech did not come without a big struggle. Cases of pressure, persecution and disappearance of independent and critical journalists, including sports journalists, are very well documented.

However, many of these principles achieved are now in danger, in what it is becoming a worrying fashion in the continent. Publicly asking to ‘silence’ journalists is, to say the least, a painful reminder of our history. And something that AIPS will not tolerate, as it was proven this week.

From AIPS Media -- LAUSANNE, June 16, 2021 - Athletes who are unable to compete at the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games due to a confirmed positive COVID-19 test result will be marked as DNS (“Did Not Start”), rather than disqualified. And in a situation where teams or athletes are ruled out from the final of an event, they will receive a silver medal.

AIPS is pleased to announce the launch of an upgraded AIPS e-College starting from May 4, 2021. The second edition of this prestigious distance-learning program, which is designed to be more inclusive, will feature winners of the AIPS Sport Media Awards 2020 and other distinguished guests in the sports industry.

The program is open to all journalists under 35 years of age. Deadline for entries is Monday, April 26 at 6pm EDT.

LAUSANNE, March 19, 2021 - The winners of the AIPS Sport Media Awards 2020 will be announced during a virtual ceremony scheduled for Monday, March 22, 2021 at 7:30 pm CET at the magnificent Stables of the Vigevano Castle. All senior categories offer money prize (US$ 8,000 for the first place, US$ 3,000 for the second place, US$ 2,000 for the third place).

(Photo and article from AIPS member Ugo Curty)

LAUSANNE, March 1, 2021 - The Italian ski resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo held the 46th Alpine World Ski Championships. A success that allowed hundreds of journalists to work again on the field of an international competition.

LONDON, February 24, 2021 – The world’s sports media have cast their votes and the Nominees for the 22nd annual Laureus World Sports Awards are revealed today.

The greatest sportsmen, sportswomen and teams will discover in the next few months if they have won a prestigious Laureus Statuette. This year the Laureus Awards will not be presented at an open ceremony, but individually to winners due to the continuing global pandemic. The winners will be announced in May as part of a ‘Virtual’ Awards event.

The third edition of the AIPS Sport Media Awards received a record 1871 submissions (in 34 different languages) from 129 different countries with the AIPS EC members and Awards jurors raving about their incredibly high quality. After two months of intense deliberation, AIPS is happy to announce the completion of the first judging stage.

LAUSANNE, January 27, 2021 – The countdown to the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Games has been overwhelmed by more doubts than expectations due to the persistent coronavirus pandemic that has altered everyday life, with organisers spending the eve of “six months to go” vehemently dismissing cancellation reports.