GMA Network Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, along with three of the Network’s esteemed journalists—Jessica Soho, Raffy Tima, and Melo del Prado— were recognized for their excellence, innovative contributions, and impact on journalism at the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) Grand Journalism Awards on February 12.
Gozon, one of Asia’s top broadcast CEOs, received the “Lifetime Achievement Award.” A distinguished corporate lawyer, Gozon was lauded for his transformative leadership, steering GMA to its position as the country’s leading broadcast network. Gozon’s passion for excellence is underscored by his commitment to responsible and impartial journalism, further solidifying GMA Network’s position as the most trusted broadcast news organization in the country.
“This recognition is very important and meaningful to me because, one, this is only the second time in eighty years of its existence that the MOPC is giving these awards. Number two, the MOPC as the first and oldest press club in the Philippines, enjoys an importance and reputation second to none among the press clubs in the country. And last, the twelve awarded tonight, four of whom are from GMA Network are the best among the best, myself excluded, in the field of journalism in the Philippines today,” says Atty. Gozon in his speech.
Soho, in turn, was recognized as “Journalist of the Year.” With an exemplary career spanning decades, Soho is best known for her journalistic integrity and compelling story-telling. As the country’s most-awarded broadcast journalist, Soho holds the distinction of winning the highly prestigious George Foster Peabody Award in 1999 and 2014, and as the first Filipino to be nominated and to have won in the New York Festivals (NYF) TV & Film Awards. Currently, she hosts the number one TV program of 2024–Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho.
Tima received the “TV Reporter of the Year” award. A seasoned journalist, Tima is one of the first to use drone and mobile journalism in the country and has helped revolutionize how stories are captured and told, particularly in conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas. Tima was a one-man team on the ground covering the Palestine side from Egypt at the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in 2023. He co-anchors the longest-running noontime newscast on Philippine Free TV, “Balitanghali.”
Del Prado, on the other hand, was awarded as “Radio Broadcaster of the Year.” With over 30 years of experience, del Prado is a well-respected radio journalist. He anchors the news and commentary morning program “Melo del Prado sa Super Radyo” and co-anchors the primetime nationwide newscast “Super Balita sa Umaga, Nationwide” on Super Radyo DZBB 594 kHz and aired over Dobol B TV sa GTV.
The MOPC Grand Journalism Awards recognize excellence, achievements, and dedication to the journalism profession. It is given by the MOPC, which was formed in 1945 and is the oldest press club in Asia.