Wright tops race in media awards

Soccer star turned TV presenter Ian Wright was today named personality of the year at a major media awards event.

The former England striker took the title at the Race In The Media Awards, organised by the Commission for Racial Equality, for maintaining his ‘‘unique position as an important role model and positive influence’’.

For the second year running Channel 4 was named broadcaster of the year. It was honoured for its season How Racist Is Britain?

GMTV host Eamonn Holmes presented the awards at the ceremony held in London’s Savoy Hotel.

TV winners included ITV1’s Coronation Street, named best soap, and long-running BBC1 show Blue Peter, which was named best children’s programme.

The RIMAs are designed to encourage informed coverage of race relations, diversity and multiculturalism.

The full list of winners is:

National newspaper - The Guardian.

Regional/local newspaper - Yorkshire Post.

Specialist magazine - The Nursing Times.

Consumer magazine - Time Out.

Television news - Channel 4 News.

Television factual - Black Messiah (BBC Knowledge).

Television entertainment - The Lab (Artsworld).

Television drama - Babyfather (BBC 2).

Serial drama (soaps) - Coronation Street (ITV).

Radio news - 5 Live Breakfast (BBC Radio 5 Live).

Radio factual - Race Myths (Radio 4).

Radio drama - Barrel Boy (Radio 4).

Radio entertainment music - Boo! M to the C! (Radio 1).

Children/youth - Blue Peter (BBC1).

Web site - Ministry of Defence: We Were There.

Advertising - Brent Council’s anti-gun campaign.

Leadership in sport - Will the Asian Beckham Stand Up? (BBC Radio 5 Live).

Broadcaster of the year - Channel 4.

Media personality of the Year - Ian Wright.