Mangalore: V U George Conferred Karnataka Media Academy Award

Media Release

Mangalore, Nov 30: V U George, who pioneered the city's first English monthly magazine 'Mangalore Today', has been honoured with the 'Karnataka Media Academy Award' for the year 2010 along with 19 other media personalities.

He received the award Tuesday November 29 from the chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda at an awards distribution function held at Jnana Jyothi Hall, Palace Road, Bangalore at 5 pm. The award comprises a citation and Rs 10,000 cash prize.

George was recognized for his pioneering effort in bringing out ‘Mangalore Today’, the city’s first local English monthly magazine and running it for the last 15 years facing immense struggles and hardships in maintaining the long term viability of the venture.

George started Mangalore Today in 1996 with a small team of young and enthusiastic journalists and the first issue was launched at Hotel Moti Mahal on December 17 of that year. In 2005, the magazine hosted the  ‘Mangalore Today Conclave’ to commemorate its 10th year and subsequently the event has been organized three more times. In 2009, the magazine also launched its web edition.

Under George’s leadership, the magazine has not only highlighted the burning issues concerning Mangalore, but also served as a training ground for many young journalists who have gone on to pursue successful journalistic careers at the state, national and even international level.

Expressing happiness over getting the recognition George said: "I thank the Karnataka Media Academy and those responsible for selecting me for this rare honour, which in a way is a vindication of our long years of hard work. Moreover I want to share this recognition with our entire Mangalore Today team, both past and present who have been a part of the journey."