The output of community radio stations is usually missing from the Malta Journalism Awards and an appeal was made yesterday for their staff to participate.

“Looking back, I’ve heard some programmes on these stations that would have been viable contenders for the awards,” Broadcasting Authority chairman Anthony Tabone said.

He pointed out that many of such stations, of which there were more than 40, often served as a launching pad for students seeking a career in broadcasting.

The chairman of the Institute of Maltese Journalists, Malcolm Naudi explained that contestants were required to submit three samples of their work in every category to ensure their submissions were up to standard.

Entries must either be written by a Maltese national and published in Malta or abroad or by a foreigner and published in Malta. Only works published in 2012 will be accepted.

Submissions must be made by April 20, the finalists being announced on May 31 and the winners on June 15 during a gala night at the Palace Hotel, Sliema.

Mr Tabone said that the regulator would be sponsoring the four broadcasting awards.

“In the past, the authority had its own awards ceremony, however, it realised that having two cere-monies each year resulted in a waste of resources,” he explained.

There are 16 award categories and a 17th could be introduced though the details would be announced later.

Go Plc is sponsoring the print journalism feature awards, an unamed travel-related entity will sponsor the travel journalism award and the Maltese Sports Council is support the sports journalism features award.