BBC reporter Simpson wins top Italian journalism prize

(ANSA) - Rome, May 25 - BBC reporter John Simpson gained fresh recognition for his outstanding career on Tuesday when it was announced that he had won one of Italy's top journalism awards. The 65-year-old was picked for the 2010 Ischia International Journalism Prize by a jury that included Joaquin Navarro Valls, the director of the Vatican Press Office under Pope John Paul II, Israeli writer David Grossman, ANSA editor-in-chief Luigi Contu and Peter Stothard, the former editor of The Times. "He is a direct witness of the great events of our time and a person capable of explaining them with precision and impartiality to the world public," read the award citation. "He is a representative of journalism based on objectivity and accuracy, without losing the humorous touch, a well known characteristic of his BBC reports".
Simpson, who will receive the award at a ceremony on the Gulf of Naples island on July 4, has worked for Britain's public broadcaster since the 1960s. In that time he has reported from over 100 different countries, including 30 war zones, and interviewed many world leaders. He is now the world affairs editor of BBC News. "(The award) is for his work as a correspondent in times of war and peace and for the constant, passionate drive for journalistic innovation throughout his career," the citation added. Simpson will be able to add the prize to his already well stocked trophy cabinet, which includes three Baftas and an International Emmy for his report on the fall of Kabul in November 2001. photo: British and American soldiers in Afghanistan.