LAUSANNE, May 5, 2020 - The latest, double edition of the AIPS Magazine is now online and available for download. Issue I/II of 2020 demonstrates the response of AIPS in the fight against the current global crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic with the AIPS Awards and e-College playing crucial roles in safeguarding the culture and independence of sports journalism.
83rd AIPS CONGRESS Before lockdown and social distancing became the order of the day due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the globe, delegations from the national associations of the AIPS family and notable guests converged on Budapest, Hungary for the 83rd AIPS Congress from February 3 – 6. The memorable gathering began with AIPS president Gianni Merlo moderating an open discussion that featured FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who responded to questions about corruption, African football and women’s football. The Congress, organised by the Hungarian Sports Journalists’ Association, also offered important discussions regarding statutes, women in sports and investigative journalism, as well as essential cultural visits for the guests.
AIPS SPORT MEDIA AWARDS On February 3, the ballroom of the Corinthia Hotel Budapest witnessed the celebration of sport media excellence with some of the world’s high-profile names in the sports industry in attendance. Out of 1754 submissions received from 125 different countries, the winners of the 2019 edition of the AIPS Sport Media Awards, across different categories, were announced, alongside two Special Awardees. The winning photos of the Awards in both Sport Action and Portfolio are displayed on pages 8 to 19 of the latest magazine. And considering that good journalism does not stop even in the face of extreme uncertainty, submissions are now open for the third edition of the AIPS Sport Media Awards. All entries must have been published between October 8, 2019, and October 7, 2020.
CORONAVIRUS TIMELINE COVID-19 inflicted far-reaching consequences upon society, with daily life on an indefinite pause and sports brought to a halt. A wave of cancellations and postponements swept across the global sporting calendar and even the IOC could not save the Olympic Games, which were due to take place this summer. Meanwhile some journalists have lost their jobs and others have accepted pay cuts during this current crisis. AIPS monitored the situation around the globe on a regular basis with immense help from its vast and trusted network of National Associations. Pages 46-63 are dedicated to the timeline of coronavirus’ impact on sports as compiled by AIPS Media, alongside a series of insightful editorials by AIPS president Gianni Merlo leading up to the eventual postponement of the Olympics. The series of editorials written by AIPS president Gianni Merlo features his personal account of living amid “the nightmare of ambulance sirens” in a coronavirus “red zone”, as he made a strong case for why the Olympic Games had to be postponed.
AIPS e-COLLEGE In April, AIPS launched an innovative distance-learning programme as a way to continue its renowned Young Reporters Programme, offering opportunities, tools and answers to the next generation; helping them adapt in the absence of live sports and be better prepared for what lies ahead when sports resume. The educational programme, which will last until June, has so far featured former IOC Director Michael Payne, Olympic legend Edwin Moses, Swiss sport lawyer Francois Carrard, FIFA Head of Media Hans Hultman, Italian former volleyball champion Mauritzia Cacciatori, Head of Olympic Games Media Operations Lucia Montanarella and former WADA president Sir Craig Reedie. They have tackled a variety of subjects from the Olympics to media operations in major tournament, sports and law, anti-doping, fair play and gender-equality.
Many more stories can be found inside the AIPS magazine thanks to contributions from our National Associations, Commissions and Continental Sections.
The latest edition of the AIPS Magazine is available online HERE.
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