21 July 2009 - UNICEF announces new national Media Award for SudanKhartoum/Juba – UNICEF today launches a new media award for Sudanese journalists, recognizing excellence in reporting on children’s issues. The award is supported by the Ministry of Information and Communication of Sudan’s Government of National Unity and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of Southern Sudan. Linked to the annual UNICEF Regional Media Awards for the Middle East and North Africa, the award is open to all Sudanese journalists working in Sudan. Winners will also be nominated for a regional award, as well as being invited to the UNICEF Regional Media Forum to be held in Lebanon in November 2009. The award has five categories – for best reporting in television, radio, print, online media, and for young journalists aged between 10 and 18 years. Additionally this year in Sudan, UNICEF is offering a special ‘Emerging Talent Award’ that will be given to an entrant who has been working as a journalist for less than two years. Winning entries in the five categories will be submitted to the 2009 UNICEF Regional Media Awards to compete alongside journalists from across the Middle East and North Africa. The theme for the 2009 awards is ‘Health Promotion and Behavioural Change’. Entries should cover efforts to improve the health of children and mothers in Sudan or the region, with a specific focus on encouraging improved health and hygiene behaviours amongst families and communities. Works submitted must address local, national, or regional issues directly related to Sudan, the Middle East, and/or North Africa. Among the selection criteria jurors will consider are: the relevance and significance of the chosen subject to children’s issues; the quality and originality of the coverage; the depth and accuracy of the work; the effort involved in telling the story(ies); objectivity and impartiality; the potential positive impact of the story(ies), and the extent to which the coverage promotes the fundamental rights of children. Judges will look favorably at coverage that explores solutions and opportunities to children’s issues. Nominee works must adhere to the highest standards of journalism, including clarity of expression, accuracy, fairness, strict observance of ethical guidelines in reporting on children’s issues, and respecting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The closing date for entries is 3 September 2009. More information on the awards and application forms can be found at www.unicef.org/sudan/media_5743.html or on the new UNICEF Sudan Arabic website at www.unicef.org/sudan/arabic/media_5750.html.
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