Journalism Awards nominations widened

The Institute of Maltese Journalists has changed the rules of the Maltese Journalism Awards in order to give the possibility to journalists to nominate other journalists too.

So far, journalists could only submit their own works. But as of this year, the 17th edition of the awards, editors and heads of news can nominate works by journalists whether from their own organisation or not. Submissions can also be made by organisations, corporations and bodies. However, written consent has to be given by the individual journalist/s.

There are 12 categories:

Print - Print Journalism: News - sponsored by HSBC Bank Malta plc; Print Journalism: Features - sponsored by Vodafone Malta Ltd; Photo Journalism - sponsored by The Farsons Foundation.

Broadcast - Broadcast Journalism: TV script - sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority; Broadcast Journalism: TV film - sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority; Broadcast Journalism: Radio - sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority.

Electronic - E-Journalism.

General - Overseas Assignments - sponsored by Emirates Airline; Sports Journalism - sponsored by Melita Cable; Sports Photography - sponsored by the Malta International Airport; Cultural Journalism - sponsored by Malta Tourism Authority; Best use of Maltese language in Journalism.

This year's edition of the Gold Award is being sponsored by the Tumas Fenech Foundation for Education in Journalism.

Only coverages made overseas by the applicant/nominated journalist can be submitted in the overseas assignment category while in the broadcast TV script and broadcast radio categories, all submissions have to be accompanied by the respective script.

The first three classified in each category will receive a certificate.

The winner of the first 11 categories will each be awarded a cash prize of Lm150, a certificate and the Malta Journalism Awards trophy for the respective category.

The finalists will be announced in June and the winners will be known during a presentation ceremony to be held in September.

The contest is open to all Maltese journalists whether they are IGM members or not.

All entries, whether in Maltese or in English, must have been published or broadcast in Malta between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2006.

The IGM said that as participation in the press cartoons category was low in recent years, it decided to start holding the competition on a triennial basis, with the next edition of this category being held in 2008, covering the years 2005, 2006 and 2007.

However, being a non-competing category, caricaturists or their editors can submit up to 15 caricatures per caricaturist to be considered for an annual publication to be released next year.

Submissions will be received at the offices of the Institute of Maltese Journalists, 104, Old Mint Street, Valletta, on Wednesday April 11 between 6 and 7.30 p.m. Non-members have to pay a participation fee with the submission.

Regulations and applications can be obtained either by phoning Joe Vella on 2131 6958/9945 0746 or through www.maltapressclub.org.mt.