Winners Announced for Tenth Edition of "Tell Me About Umbria – Stories on Umbria" International Journalism Prize
UMBRIA – Distinguished journalists are among the laureates of the tenth edition of "Tell Me About Umbria – Stories on Umbria", the International Journalism Award established by the Chambers of Commerce of Perugia and Terni. Since its inception in 2009, this prestigious competition has showcased the narratives, imagery, beauty, heritage, and unique way of life found throughout Umbria to global audiences.
The competition attracted entries from journalists, authors, television producers, bloggers, and digital content creators – a total of 78 submissions arrived from across the globe. The countries most represented included Italy, the United States, Germany, Spain, and Japan.
2019 Award Recipients
In the Tourism, Environment, and Culture category, Spanish journalist Maria del Carmen del Vando Blanco claimed the award for her piece "La Umbria mistica, donde se escucha el silenzio" (Mystical Umbria, where silence speaks). A professional journalist accredited with the National Order of Journalists, the Foreign Press Association in Rome, and the Holy See Press Office, Maria del Carmen del Vando Blanco contributes regularly to "Descubrir el Arte," "Revistart," mujeresvalientes.es, and serves as a correspondent for "Wall Street International."
The Umbria's Flavors category honored American journalist John Henderson, whose article "In the US you could never do this: How an American opened his own Italian Winery" appeared in "The Local." Originally from Eugene, Oregon, Henderson holds a degree in journalism and has spent four decades writing about sports and three decades as a freelance travel writer. He also maintains his own website, Dog-Eared Passport, chronicling travel adventures, culinary discoveries, and sporting events.
The Video category recognized Paolo Notari from Marcopolo TV for the Perugia episode in the series "Capitali d'Italia" (Italian Capitals). Journalist and television host Paolo Notari has worked as a consultant for RAI and served as a correspondent for programs including "UnoMattina," "La vita in diretta," "Agora," and "Sereno Variabile."
The Jury's Special Prize went to Marcello Masi and Rocco Tolfa for their Umbrian episode of "Signori del Vino" (Masters of Wine) broadcast on RAI 2. Veteran Italian journalist Marcello Masi joined RAI in 1987, where he has held positions of significant responsibility and prestige. Since October 1, 2018, he has hosted "Linea Verde / del sabato." Rocco Tolfa, former deputy director of TG2, earned his sommelier diploma and completed specialized courses on Barolo, Champagne, and Burgundy wines. He contributes to the magazines Bibenda, il Sommelier, and Spirito Divino, and presents the RAI segment TG2divino.
"Tell Me About Umbria" also celebrates emerging journalists from Journalism Schools. This year's winner was Sofia Gadici for the television segment "Perugia, cittadini al centro" (Perugia, citizens at the center) broadcast on the YouTube channel "Quattro Colonne."
The Jury's Special Mention for "Tell Me About Umbria" was awarded to Gioacchino Castiglione and Susanna Baccetti for their video "Orvieto e il favoloso mondo di Susanna Tamaro" (Orvieto and the marvelous world of Susanna Tamaro) aired on Geo, a RAI 3 program. Since 1983, Gioacchino Castiglione has served as director of photography for major television networks and international productions. His passion for documentary filmmaking drives his daily work, often serving as director. Born in Florence, Susanna Baccetti holds a degree in Modern Foreign Languages and Literature. She has transformed her deep passion for travel and global cultures into her profession. Her television career began in 1994, and since then she has continuously documented worlds and cultures.
A Model for Territorial Promotion
"Established by the Chambers of Commerce of Perugia and Terni, the 'Tell Me About Umbria – Stories on Umbria' International Journalism Prize has, since its founding, earned recognition in the communications world for its integrity, transparency, and credibility," remarked Giorgio Mencaroni, President of the Perugia Chamber of Commerce.
Mencaroni explained: "We have maintained high standards in our selections throughout. Our vision was to create an innovative model of territorial promotion, capable of showcasing our excellence, our land, its history, culture, and the distinctive characteristics of a highly valuable production system to the world. The achievements of 'Tell Me About Umbria' confirm that we have realized this objective."
