NEW DELHI: CNN International and MediaCorp have won top awards at this year‘s 16th Asian Television Awards.

According to the Asia-Pacific Broadcasters Union (ABU), the Singapore-based broadcaster MediaCorp won the Terrestrial Broadcaster of the Year award, while CNN International won both the Cable & Satellite Channel and Network of the Year awards.

CNN Correspondent Anna Coren was named ‘Best News Presenter or Anchor,‘ while the CNN Freedom Project was also recognized with two of its reports receiving acclamations for ‘Best Single News Story/Report‘ and ‘Best Social Awareness Programme.‘

"To win five awards, including network and channel of the year, is an extraordinary achievement and testament to the excellence, dedication and bravery of our people in Asia Pacific and around the world," said CNN International EVP and MD Tony Maddox. "It is especially pleasing to see recognition and reward for two of our CNN Freedom Project programs, an initiative which remains fearless and unwavering in its determination to help bring an end to modern day slavery."

The annual awards show was held in Singapore last week with 1,040 entries received from 14 countries and regions. Top celebrities from around the region had gathered to recognise the best in the television industry in Asia.

Regional broadcaster MediaCorp had 30 nominations this year, the same as last year.
MediaCorp CEO Shaun Seow said: "Well, it‘s really humbling because when you look at the quality of the nominations this year, it certainly has been ratcheting up and to be recognised among Asia‘s best is really an honour for us."

MediaCorp Channel 5‘s ‘The Noose‘ (Season 4) won Best Comedy Programme and actor Suhaimi Yusof bagged the Best Comedy Performance by an actor for his role in the show.

Channel NewsAsia‘s ‘Stressbuster‘ took home the Best Lifestyle Programme award.

A total of 39 awards were given out including three new ones: Best Pre-school Education Programme, Best Theme Song and Best Drama Screenplay.