Journalism Awards 2010

What are the Journalism Awards for Excellence about?
This is the single most prestigious annual event at which good journalism is recognized and celebrated by the profession's peers; it is about appreciating and rewarding courage, dedication and excellence in journalism and saluting lifetime contributions and service to the journalism profession.

Who can apply?
Applications may be submitted by any journalist; who for the purpose of the Journalism Awards for Excellence programme is a person who writes articles or news reports as a profession for publication in newspapers. He or she should be employed full time in journalism, or should have written articles or news reports for publication in newspapers, and had at least 10 of his/her articles/news reports published within the stipulated time period. Articles/Reports published while being a journalism student, intern will also be considered.

Year of Publication:
Articles/News Reports should have been published between 1st January 2010 and 31st December of 2010.

How to Apply?
Applications and Nominations to be sent to: The Chairman, Journalism Awards Committee, C/o Sri Lanka Press Institute, 96, Kirula Road, Colombo 05.

Applications are available: download

Fees 
No Charge

Judges
Awards have been classified into cluster groups and for each cluster a panel of judges has been appointed based on individual specialty/expertise and sensitivity towards balanced representation.

General Entry Rules

1. Incomplete entries will be disqualified.

2. Material submitted for the program will not be returned.

3. Entries must be postmarked or hand delivered no later than the date indicated in advertisements.

4. Publication date must be marked on the application form.

5. Applicants may enter as many categories as he/she wishes. Each entry will qualify for only one single category. The category must be specifically mentioned.

6. Three copies of duly completed application forms should be neatly attached to the front of the work submitted.

7. Name of applicant must be spelled correctly and written legibly in English. It is these names that will appear in the awards certifications.

8. Supporting statements must not exceed 500 words (if not otherwise specifically mentioned).

9. An editor may provide a supporting statement on behalf of any entry, but the absence of such a statement from the editor will not be considered adversely in the selection of the entry.

10. Entries must carry the declaration by the journalist/s that they abide by the Code of Professional Practice (CPP) of TEGOSL for the time-being in force, and the endorsement of the editor that the newspaper abides by by the CPP-TEGOSL and by the Rules and Procedures of the PCCSL.

11. Any form of lobbying, canvassing or threqtening of judges by applicants will result in disqualification.

Print Entries

1. Entries must be in a binder or folder or mounted. Loose copies will not be accepted.

2. Original publications of articles/news reports are preferred although clear photocopies are acceptable, provided such photocopies are certified by your editor.

Photojournalism Entries

1. Entries must be in a binder or folder or mounted. Entries in any other form will not be acceptable.

2. Include copies of any accompanying texts, such as captions, stories etc.

3. Submitting a print can be useful but not imperative

4. Original newspaper publication of photographs is essential.

Check list

1. That all sections of the application are clearly marked with the award category, newspaper, and applicant’s name and address. Three copies of completed application forms are neatly attached to the front of the entry submitted (Editor’s certification may be attached although not mandatory)

2. That the entry carries all the relevant declarations mentioned in (j) of General Entry Rules.

 Accuracy and Completeness:

1. Any corrections, clarifications or retractions made after initial publication should be submitted as part of the application. Copies of any written challenges to the article or the news report’s accuracy sent to the applicant or to the news organization must be attached to the application, including responses by the news organization.

2. Judges may interview applicants should the requirement arise. (Please note: Not adhering to (A) above would result in withdrawal of any award made)

General Criteria

Works will be judged by the members of the Awards Judging Committee according to the following criteria:

1. Accuracy and completeness
2. Clarity
3. Organization and presentation of information
4. Usefulness to the intended audience
5. Excellence of intellectual content
6. Design and composition of the work
7. Adherence to the Editors’ Guild Code of Ethics

Additional criteria:

1. Writing style
2. Enterprise and ingenuity
3. Effectiveness
4. Extenuating circumstances
5. Creative use of medium’s unique capabilities
6. Judges will weigh the resources available