ICO adds category for journalism in annual "Gold Awards"

The Information Commissioner’s Office has revealed that a category for journalists and news media agencies will be added to it's annual "Gold Awards".

Speaking at a press conference held on Thursday, Information Commissioner Hussain Fiyaz Moosa stated that journalists and news agencies that have an exceptional record in finding and sharing information will receive the office's "Gold Award" from next year onwards. He also added that online websites, TV and radio fall under the classification of news agencies.

Moreover, the most notable non-governmental organisation will also be conferred the award in addition to the most notable information officer. The information commissioner stated that these four categories are all new additions for the award.

In the past, the commission has conferred the award to the best government offices for information disclosure.

According to Fiyaz, the awards will have ten categories next year. This includes the four new categories as well as a joint category for government offices and the president's office, a category for the people's parliament and independent institutions, and a separate category for the judiciary.

Other categories include city councils, atoll councils, uniformed authorities, and public companies.