Kent Invicta backs best of county’s media

After a record number of entries, the best work of everyone involved in the media in Kent has been celebrated at the tenth annual Kent Press & Broadcast Awards (KPBA) hosted by BBC news presenter Martine Croxall and co-sponsored by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

The winners were selected from among 163 entries received across 16 categories by a team of eight independent judges each who have many years of media experience.

Organised by Kent PR and marketing agency a im the not for profit a ard scheme recognises and rewards the media’s commitment to serving local communities. Maxim successfully secured the backing of leading companies from across the county to help make them happen. There were also four new categories: Broadcast Presenter of the Year, Investigation of the Year, the Making it Happen Award, and Story of the Year, with the latter sponsored by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce. Each new category was created following a survey of previous entrants and discussions with the independent judges to ensure KPBA remains relevant for the county’s media.

After presenting the trophy, Katherine Stevens, Membership Manager at Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, said: “The media play an important role in informing their communities about what is happening, whether good or bad. As the Chamber, we are keen to help be a voice for business which is why we’re proud to be associated with KPBA.

“Winner Ruth Cassidy and highly commended Millie Bowles of the Story of the Year category both work for KentOnline and Kentish Gazette series. Each uncovered a story that needed telling and which were the result of hard work, perseverance and having a great eye for news. Congratulations.”

This year, two further awards were presented for entries that really stood out, but which didn’t win the category they were shortlisted for. The Golden Pen was awarded to Kathy Bailes of The Isle of Thanet News, and the Golden Microphone was presented to kmfm for its Tonnes of Tins campaign, which secured the equivalent of 16,000 tins of beans for 18 food banks across the county.

Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce was joined in supporting KBPA by Caxtons, CPL Films, East

Kent Colleges Group and Gallagher Group, as well as Kent Cricket, Le Shuttle, MHA, Port of Dover, Shepherd Neame and Stagecoach South East. he a ards event took place at he Spitfire round St Lawrence, Canterbury on Friday 26 July.

Commenting at the event, Maxim Director Rachel Knight said: “Congratulations to everyone who attended the Kent Press & Broadcast Awards 2024, and to the worthy winners.

“We also need to thank the generous sponsors, who recognise the important role that the press plays in our communities. As KPBA is a not-forprofit event e really couldn t run these a ards without them or our independent judges.”