Essen, November 29, 2019: This year, the Verband der Motorjournalisten e.V. honors Stuttgart-based motor journalist Malte Jürgens with the Johny Rozendaal watch. VdM Chairman Werner Bicker presented the award for services to motor journalism at the traditional VdM evening at the Essen Motor Show.
A (literally) eventful life
Malte Jürgens has worked for Motor Presse Stuttgart for almost 40 years in various positions and for different magazines. After graduating from the Free University of Berlin with a degree in German studies and biology, he began his journalistic career in 1982 with a traineeship in Stuttgart. He then worked as an editor at "auto motor und sport" and "sport auto". He was head of department, chief reporter and managing editor at "auto motor und sport" from 1994 to 2003. In 2003, Jürgens took over as editor-in-chief of the magazine "Motor Klassik". In 2011, he returned to "auto motor und sport" as managing editor and author.
Johny Rozendaal watch as an honor for his commitment
One of the main reasons for the award from the VdM is Jürgens' role as head of internal training at the publishing house (Stuttgart model), which he held from 1996 to 2006. "Malte Jürgens is an old-school journalist in the best sense of the word, for whom thorough research always forms the basis of every story," said VdM Chairman Franz-Peter Strohbücker in his laudatory speech. "As Head of Journalism and Graphics Training at Motor Presse Stuttgart, he has raised an entire generation of successful and highly qualified motor journalists since 1996." This year, the VdM is honoring this special commitment with its journalism award, the "Johny Rozendaal Clock".
The VdM has been presenting the award since 1959 - initially every two years, and annually since 2007. This year, the VdM celebrated the 60th anniversary of its journalism prize. The first winner was racing driver and motor journalist Richard von Frankenberg. To date, a total of three dozen men and women have received the highest award in the field of motor and mobility journalism.
Rozendaal was a pioneer in technical journalism
The award is symbolized by the golden pocket watch of the Dutchman Johny Rozendaal, born in 1877. He was one of the pioneers of technical journalism, was committed to reconciliation between Germany and the Netherlands after the Second World War and was involved in the founding of the VdM from the very beginning. After his death in 1955, his widow gave the clock to the VdM. Since then, the fine piece has been awarded the name "Johny Rozendaal Clock".
No retirement despite retirement
The likeable and extremely eloquent Malte Jürgens, with his incredible flair for the very special stories, truly deserves this award. I remember all too fondly the various stories I was able to create for him and the countless great and culinary evenings we enjoyed together. Malte is about to retire, but will continue to work for the "auto motor und sport" editorial team.
Congratulations from Zwischengas
Dear Malte, congratulations and all the best for me and the whole "zwischengas team".
