Miami (August 30, 2024) - The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) announced today that the 2024 Great Friend of the Press award is granted to the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas and the Executive of the Year to Frederic Kachar, CEO of Editora Globo and Sistema Globo de Radio in Brazil. Jaime Bedoya, from Perú 21, receives the Sustainability Award.
The IAPA distinguishes the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas for its significant contribution to the growth and advancement of journalism and the media industry across the Americas. In a letter to Rosental Calmon Alves, its founder, and director, IAPA President Roberto Rock noted that "since its founding in 2002, the Knight Center has emerged as a vital institution for training and developing journalists across Latin America and the Caribbean" firmly supporting the mission "to strengthen journalism through innovative training programs, impactful conferences, and valuable publications."
The Knight Center organizes free events, conferences, and training that facilitate the exchange of experiences and best practices among journalists from diverse backgrounds. IAPA highlights that this approach has fostered professional development and has nurtured a culture of excellence within the field.
IAPA recognizes Frederic Kachar, CEO of Editora Globo and Sistema Globo de Radio in Brazil, for his pivotal role in the digital transformation and modernization of the media conglomerate. The jury highlighted his strategic leadership, noting that Kachar consolidated the company's market position and significantly benefited the community. Rock praised Kachar's dynamic strategies and his role in expanding the company's communication businesses, which included the creation of Edições Globo Condé Nast in July 2010, a joint venture with Condé Nast.
Under Kachar's leadership, Grupo Globo has skillfully navigated the shifting dynamics of media consumption. In 2020, he became the head of Grupo Globo's radio stations. In 2021, he led O Globo to achieve the highest audience position among all national newspapers across digital platforms.
The IAPA awards Jaime Bedoya of Perú 21, Peru, the Sustainability Award for his initiative Supplementos 21. This proposal has been recognized for its innovative and diversification strategy to generate new revenues. The project includes the creation of supplements and informative campaigns designed for client companies. The recognition emphasizes Perú 21's ability to integrate sustainability into the editorial business model, highlighting its proactive approach to seeking creative solutions that benefit both the publication and its business collaborators.
The recipients of these awards, which carry no monetary compensation, will be honored during the development of the IAPA General Assembly in Córdoba. This year, the Digital Transformation Award remained vacant.
In 2023, the awardee in the Great Friend of the Press category was Alberto Ibargüen, former president of the Knight Foundation. The Executive of the Year award was granted to Pamela J. Browning, president and publisher of The Post and Courier.
The IAPA is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending and promoting freedom of the press and expression in the Americas. It comprises more than 1,300 publications from the western hemisphere and is based in Miami, Florida, United States.
