Filipino broadcast journalist Rico Hizon has achieved a remarkable feat, securing the title of Best Factual Presenter Grand Winner at the prestigious 2023 Asian Academy Creative Awards (AACA). This accolade further cements Hizon’s status as a prominent figure in Asian journalism.
Hizon’s journey to this milestone included two prior AACA national awards: Best Factual Presenter for the Philippines (2023) and Best News Programme (2020). These recognitions celebrate his role in “The Final Word with Rico Hizon,” a CNN Philippines newscast. Since returning to the Philippines in 2020 after 25 years, Hizon has brought global experience from his tenure at BBC News and CNBC back to his homeland.
The award ceremony, held at the historic Chijmes Hall in Singapore on December 7, saw Hizon outshine competitors from across the Asia-Pacific, including Australia, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Singapore, and Taiwan.
#FilipinoPride at its finest! Rico Hizon is declared the Best Factual Presenter in Asia during the Asian Academy Creative Awards Grand Final 2023 held in Singapore @RicoHizon @cnnphilippines #TheFinalWord Full story on @GoodNewsPinas_ https://t.co/Jiy9kqMm7o
— Angie Quadra Balibay (@AngieQBalibay) December 11, 2023
In his heartfelt acceptance speech, Hizon expressed deep gratitude and surprise. “This is a dream come true… I never thought I would win the Asian Academy Creative Awards in my lifetime as a journalist,” he remarked, acknowledging his 35-year career that spans both local and international landscapes.
Hizon’s commitment to unbiased and balanced reporting was highlighted as he accepted the prestigious Golden Goddess statuette, declaring, “We are journalists who broadcast unbiased, fair, balanced, and real news. Mabuhay!”
The AACA, an integral part of the Singapore Media Festival held every December, celebrates creative excellence in 17 nations across the Asia-Pacific region.
Beyond AACA, Hizon’s illustrious career includes multiple awards such as back-to-back Asian Television Awards (ATA) for Best News Anchor and Best News Programme. He also received recognition from the Harvard Business School Owner/President Management Club for his contributions to Philippine journalism.
Up next for Hizon is the 28th Asian Television Awards, where he and “The Final Word” are nominated for Best News Presenter or Anchor and Best News Program, respectively. Before his return to Philippine television, Rico Hizon had won the ATA for his BBC World News program. The ceremony is slated for January in Vietnam.
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