Journalists from Kerala’s print and visual media were named winners of the 2025 Kerala Legislative Assembly media awards on Tuesday, recognising reporting that strengthened Malayalam language, promoted cultural discourse and held public institutions to account.
Kerala Legislative Assembly media awards highlight local journalism
The premier award in the visual-print category, the E. K. Nayanar Legislative Assembly Media Award, went to P. V. Jeejo, bureau chief of Deshabhimani in Kozhikode, for his report titled Malinyamalla Manikyam (Not Waste, But a Gem). The jury praised the piece for its investigative rigour and its contribution to public debate.
Winners across the printed media included A. R. Shankaranarayanan Thampi, who received the Legislative Assembly media award for his work, and T. Suraj of Mathrubhumi Yathra Magazine for a feature on Kapali’s dance and Matthavilasam Koothu. G. Kartikeyan was also honoured; M. B. Santosh was recognised for a Metro Varta feature examining questions and answers raised in Assembly sittings.
In the visual media category, C. Achyutha Menon received the Assembly award for production work, while Anju Raj of Asianet News was commended for a programme on festival traditions. K. R. Gauriamma’s prize went to K. M. Biju of Asianet News for an investigative report into the delivery of justice.
Each award carries a cash prize of Rs 50,000 together with a citation and a plaque. The prizes will be formally presented during the fourth edition of the Kerala Legislative Assembly International Book Festival, with the Speaker of the Assembly officiating the distribution.
The award jury comprised R. S. Babu, chairman of the Kerala Media Academy, who chaired the panel, with members P. S. Rajashekharan, Alankode Leelakrishnan, Saraswati Nagarajan and K. K. Shahin. Dr N. Krishnakumar, the Secretary of the Legislative Assembly, served as member-secretary to the jury.
Organisers said the awards were instituted to acknowledge exemplary work in three broad areas: strengthening Malayalam language and culture through media, investigative journalism that shapes public discourse, and accurate reporting of Legislative Assembly proceedings. Entries were assessed from both print and visual media categories, with winners selected for distinction in content, presentation and public impact.
Recipients and their work reflect the diversity of contemporary Malayalam journalism. The judges highlighted pieces that combined field reporting with contextual analysis, bringing assembly questions and local cultural practices to the attention of a wider audience. The awards aim to both celebrate journalistic excellence and encourage media professionals to pursue stories that contribute to civic awareness and cultural preservation.
Winners will be invited to the book festival ceremony where the awards will be handed over by the Speaker. The Assembly’s decision to present the awards at a public cultural event underscores the institution’s commitment to recognising the role of the media in democratic life.
The Kerala Legislative Assembly media awards remain among the state’s most prestigious honours for journalists, combining a monetary prize with public recognition. This year’s recipients represent reporting that engaged readers and viewers on issues ranging from cultural heritage to accountability in government.
Key Takeaways:
- The Kerala Legislative Assembly media awards 2025 recognised outstanding work in print and visual media, with PV Jeejo of Deshabhimani Kozhikode bureau among the winners.
- The awards promote Malayalam language and investigative reporting; each winner receives Rs 50,000, a citation and a plaque.
- Kerala Legislative Assembly media awards spotlight local journalism and will be presented at the Assembly’s International Book Festival by the Speaker.
