ABS-CBN triumphs at New York fests

MANILA, Philippines - ABS-CBN continues its winning streak at the New York Festivals (NYF) International TV and Film Awards 2012 after its News and Current Affairs programs bagged awards at the prestigious competition.

Krusada bagged a Bronze World Medal in the Social Issues/Current Events category for its report on the condition of elderly and ailing inmates who were expected to be released from prison but were denied parole.

Abner Mercado, who anchored the documentary titled Laya aired in June last year, said it is an honor as a journalist and documentarist to be recognized by a respected award-giving body.

“This award is the result of the Krusada team’s collective effort. This inspires us to present more stories that are greatly relevant to Filipinos,” he said.

For years, Abner has tracked stories concerning elders who are sick and dying in jail who wished to be granted executive clemency so they can spend the end of their days with their families.

Krusada, which airs on ABS-CBN and DZMM TeleRadyo every Thursday, is a News and Current Affairs Program which gives ABS-CBN’s top and veteran news anchors a venue for their journalistic crusades.

Ging Reyes, head of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs division, also stressed that Abner’s winning documentary reaffirms what Krusada is all about. 

“Krusada does not just feature stories about people’s lives. The journalists of Krusada stand up for those who don’t have a voice, for those who suffer, and to provoke powerful and influential people to do something for the benefit of the majority,” said Ging on abs-cbnNEWS.com.

Laya will be re-aired tomorrow night after Bandila.

The NYF also awarded TV Patrol, the country’s longest-running primetime newscast, its second finalist certificate for its coverage of Typhoon Juaning in the Best Newscast category.