Rotherham Advertiser named best team at O2 Media Awards for New Zealand terror coverage

THE Rotherham Advertiser has been named ‘best team’ at a top media awards.
L-R; Advertiser sub-editor Bob Evans, editor Andrew Mosley, Charlotte Hall from sponsor O2 and reporter Gareth DennisonL-R; Advertiser sub-editor Bob Evans, editor Andrew Mosley, Charlotte Hall from sponsor O2 and reporter Gareth Dennison
L-R; Advertiser sub-editor Bob Evans, editor Andrew Mosley, Charlotte Hall from sponsor O2 and reporter Gareth Dennison

The paper took the prize at the O2 Yorkshire and the Humber awards for its coverage of the New Zealand terror attacks, which happened in March.

Advertiser operations director Jamie Ollivent and sales executive daughter Kim were in Christchurch at the time of the attacks, in which the gunman had ‘For Rotherham’ inscribed on ammunition.

They laid wreaths in tribute to the victims and the Advertiser launched an all-faiths town-centre vigil.

Editor Andrew Mosley said: “It’s great to win the award in recognition of the fantastic work put into the issues of the paper in which we focussed on the events in New Zealand, but it’s also due to the amazing efforts that everyone puts in on a weekly basis.”

Host Louise Minchin told guests at the ceremony, which was held at Elland Road last night: “When news broke of the terror attacks on New Zealand’s Muslim community, in which 50 people were murdered, the Advertiser realised it had two members of staff in the country visiting relatives.

“The editorial team reacted without delay pulling together exclusive at-the-scene words and pictures. When they later discovered the gunman had ‘For Rotherham’ etched on his ammunition the paper immediately rallied community leaders from all faiths to condemn the attack and unite the town in support of victims.”

Advertiser Rotherham United writer Paul Davis was highly commended in the best sports writer award.