THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 28th State Television Awards was inaugurated by Minister Kadakampally Surendran as 53 people received awards in the categories of story, non-fiction, and writing. Kerala Kaumudi Deputy Editor VS Rajesh received the award for the best presenter in the non-fiction category from the minister. The award was for the presentation of the interview program 'Straight Line'.

Kaumudi TV secured seven awards. Vava Suresh (Snake Master) won the award for the presenter of the non-news program, Leswin Ullas (Mahaguru) won the award for the best child actor, S Lowell (Mahaguru) for best cinematographer, Shibu Kumar (Mahaguru) for art director, Shankar Lal (Mahaguru) for male dubbing artist, and Rohini A Pillai won the award for female dubbing artist (Mahaguru).

Kavitha Nair Nandan won the best actress award while Madhuvibhakar won the best actor award. Sujith Sahadevan secured the award for the best director.

Minister Kadakampally said that TV channels and programs have to compete with web series and OTT platforms and the changes that have been identified should come in the field of television.

Mayor Arya Rajendran presided over the function. The message of Minister AK Balan, who could not attend the function due to Covid infection, was read out by Chalachithra Academy Chairman Kamal. The unveiling of the television award book was done by General Council member and actor Premkumar and District Panchayat President D Suresh Kumar. Film Academy Vice-Chairperson Beena Paul, Jury Chairmen Madhupal, O.K. Johnny, Film Academy Secretary C Ajoy and Treasurer Santosh Jacob addressed the event.