“More than 10 years after starting as a monthly printed newspaper, Eternity has built a successful online presence,” Sophia Sinclair the ARPA President writes.  Digitally, Eternity reaches over 300,000 Australians across social media and the web… Eternity’s digital offering now includes growing video and podcast content, setting the standard for excellence in digital Christian news media.

“While COVID-19 has meant the end of the printed publication, Eternity continues as an online news service, accompanied by the Eternity Podcast Network which produces popular podcasts such as With All Due Respect, Undeceptions, and Salt. Eternity content is also featured in the newly-created Bible Society Magazine.”

“It is therefore my great pleasure to present the Gutenberg Award for 2020 to Eternity.”

She had kind words for the Editor. “Under John Sandeman’s leadership, Eternity has provides an outstanding mix of personal testimonies, opinion, national stories of Christian interest, local reflection on international events, in depth issues reporting and news. The quality of writing and the excellent standard of presentation reflect John’s years of experience in the secular news media and his desire to bring this professional integrity into the field of Christian news.”

This years ARPA awards represented a good year for Eternity overall. The gold for best news story went to Kylie Beach for breaking the news of Scott Morrison’s appearance at Hillsong Conference.

The Good Vote podcast hosted by Tim Costello and Mel Wade (produced by Tim Middlemiss and Kylie Beach, with production by Alex Bennett and Bella Ann Sanchez) won silver for Best Feature with Multiple Authors.

John Sandeman won silver for his editorial on toxic masculinity.

The Judges rightly described Rebecca Abbott’s silver winning Faith Reflection: “The author beautifully relates the story of a central west NSW farmer who put his trust in God in the midst of drought and reaped the harvest.”

NZ Catholic won publication of the year, and several other awards in a strong showing. “The paper has the courage to report honestly and accurately on sensitive issues affecting the community of faith (eg The Cardinal Pell case),” the Judges noted.  “I note the re-working of the publication in light of the Christchurch mosque massacre, coverage of which was outstanding. ” The New Zealand War Cry from the Salvation Army also dealt sensitively with the Christchurch tragedy.

The full awards, presented electronically rather than the traditional but COVID unsafe dinner are here.