On 3 May, a World Press Freedom Day, the Commission launches the Lorenzo Natali Journalism Prize 2011. The Prize is awarded for excellence in written, radio and TV journalism on the theme of development, democracy and human rights across the world.
„Every day, thousands of reporters put their lives in danger to report on conflicts, humanitarian disasters or simply to tell human stories. In too many parts of the world press freedom is still undermined or violated and I will continue to defend this human right during my mandate”, the European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, said. He added: „This is why I’m very proud to be launching the annual Lorenzo Natali Prize, which will reward some of the most talented journalists reporting on development issues and contributing to our fight against poverty.”
The Prize recognises outstanding journalists, some of whom take great risks to expose injustice and suffering. Established in 1992 by the European Commission, the Lorenzo Natali Prize is awarded in memory of Lorenzo Natali, a former European Commissioner who sought to further the European Union’s development and aid programmes. The Prize is partnered with Reporters Without Borders and is open to print, online and broadcast journalists based in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Arab World, Latin America and the Caribbean as well as Asia and the Pacific.
Print/online winners will receive cash prizes of €5 000 (1st prize), €2 500 (2nd prize) and €1 500 (3rd prize). The winners in the television and radio categories will be awarded €5 000 each. The Grand Prize winner will receive an additional €5 000. The winners will be announced at an award ceremony in December 2011.
To be eligible for submission, journalistic works need to have been published or broadcast during the period from 1 July 2010 to 31 August 2011. The deadline to submit applications is 31 August 2011. Entries should be submitted electronically at www.lorenzonataliprize.eu.
Entries will be judged, by an independent jury, on their relevance to human rights, democracy or development issues, as well as the originality of the piece, its quality, the depth of investigation carried out and any political impact it may have had. The Lorenzo Natali Prize website – www.lorenzonataliprize.eu
