MediaConnect Australia, a leading web portal connecting PR professionals and journalists, organises and hosts the annual IT Journalism Awards – known affectionately as The Lizzies – on behalf of the IT media community in Australia and New Zealand. In 2009, MediaConnect introduced a new award category the ‘Best PR Professional’ award (now known as the ‘Best Media Relations’ award) proposed and supported by respected, award-winning journalist, David Hellaby.

Breaking from convention, the Best Media Relations award recognises PR professionals who have demonstrated excellence in effective and efficient dealings with the media. Phil Sim, CEO of MediaConnect, said, “Unlike most PR awards, which are generally based on the success of PR campaigns from a client perspective, this is a ‘journalist choice’ award aimed at allowing the tech media community to show their appreciation to the PR professionals who have proven most valuable and helpful during the calendar year…”

The Best Media Relations award is based on the following criteria:

• Understanding of the journalist’s publication, audience and information requirements, via the pitching of relevant, useful and interesting story leads;
• Understanding of the journalist’s workflows and deadlines, via effective and non-invasive interactions;
• Record in responding promptly, efficiently and fairly to journalists enquiries and requests;
• Record in thinking creatively to attract journalist’s attention and enhance the journalist/PR interaction;
• Ethical conduct.

2010 (2009 calendar year) finalists included:

• David Bass (Bass Public Relations)
• Shuna Boyd (Boyd PR) – WINNER (Shuna on left in photo, with Tamara Jawad, Media Connect’s Client Services Director on right)
• Jen Crowcroft (Bite Communications)

For more information, visit The Lizzies website: www.thelizzies.com