Diageo Africa Business Reporting Awards 2011 launched to celebrate top journalism on Africa
Diageo ha launched its annual Africa Business Reporting Awards (DABRA). Initiated by Diageo in 2004, the Awards recognise excellence in business journalism about Africa with a view to strengthening and encouraging more coverage within Africa and to increase the continent’s share of voice in the international media.
The Award was initiated in 2004 and has grown year on. In 2010 attracted over 700 entries from more than 25 countries.
As we are all aware, African media is increasingly influencing perception of the continent globally and shaping investor sentiment. This is why the best journalistic talent and influential media outlets from Africa, as well as international sources, are being strongly encouraged to submit entries into the Awards.
Last year the number of categories was extended with specific categories to reflect the important role that various industries play in economic development.
It is therefore with great anticipation and confidence that we look forward to 2011, which promises to be a year of continued growth.. This year we hope to see increased macroeconomic stability, more foreign direct investment; the dramatic expansion of broadband Internet capacity; and better infrastructure and enterprise development. These are exciting times for a region with huge potential.’
And it is against this backdrop that Diageo is launching the Diageo Africa Business Reporting Awards 2011, which will once again recognise journalists from around the world who have excelled in reporting accurate and unbiased information about the region, and who have helped shape opinions and create an enabling environment for business in Africa to succeed.
This year the high-profile judging panel will be particularly looking for journalists demonstrating integrity and a true commitment to reporting. There are 11 categories to which journalist can enter. The awards ceremony will be held on 30 June, 2011 in Central London. The closing date for entry is 21 March, 2010. Entries can be submitted online at: www.diageoafricabusinessreportingawards.com There is no entry fee.
The Categories
- Best ICT feature
A feature or series of related features delivered on any media platform (print, broadcast, online) that examines any aspect of the ICT sector in a thoughtful and engaging way. This might include, but is not limited to, telecommunications infrastructure, mobile, networking, security, cyber crime, e-learning, hardware, software, Internet.
- Best Finance feature
A feature or series of related features delivered on any media platform (print, broadcast, online) that examines any aspect of the finance/banking sector in a thoughtful and engaging way. This might include, but is not limited to, investment opportunities, retail banking, credit cards, corporate finance, mobile money, payment systems.
- Best Infrastructure feature
A feature or series of related features delivered on any media platform (print, broadcast, online) that examines any aspect of infrastructure (physical or otherwise) in a thoughtful and engaging way. Features addressing issues of energy and transport can enter this category. This might include, but is not limited to, infrastructure development projects, aviation, oil, roads, rail, and energy.
- Best Agribusiness / Environment feature
A feature or series of related features delivered on any media platform (print, broadcast, online) that examines any aspect of agribusiness or environmental issues in a thoughtful and engaging way. This might include, but is not limited to, climate change, agriculture, food security, water management, farming, resource management.
- Best Tourism feature
A feature or series of related features delivered on any media platform (print, broadcast, online) that examines any aspect of the tourism industry in a thoughtful and engaging way. This might include, but is not limited to, hotels, eco-tourism, travel, 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.
- Best use of New Media in a story
A piece developed using new media (online digital photography, blogs, vodcasts, videos, podcasts or a mixture of these) that effectively supports a story about business or the economy in an African context. The topic is open, but use of new media must help deliver a fresh perspective that helps the audience engage with a story in a way not possible through traditional media alone. Entry must include a live URL.
- Best Business News story
A news story or series of related stories delivered on any media platform (print, broadcast, online) that: - Addresses a breaking news story from the time period of the awards
- Answers all basic questions in a clear and balanced fashion
- Demonstrates journalistic flair – a style that is engaging, though-provoking and accessible to its audience
- Best Business Feature story
A feature or series of related features delivered on any media platform (print, broadcast, online) that:
- Examines business or the economy in an African context
- Provides useful background material for readers to understand relevance
- Gives bigger picture and importance to Africa, as well as specific issues it might be addressing
- Brings the business and economy to life, while answering the serious questions
- Best Newcomer
A portfolio of three features (can be across different platforms) by a journalist who has been working as a reporter for less than five years. Proof of first date of accreditation will be required. Judges will be looking for overall quality of reporting, understanding of business issues and personal insights, as well as a commitment to sustained coverage of the business and economic climate in Africa, which serves to highlight opportunities as well as challenges
- Media of the Year
A print publication, broadcast programme/channel, website or blog that is a comprehensive resource for its audience providing sustained coverage of Africa’s business and economic news, issues and analysis (sector-specific or otherwise).Please submit a portfolio of five articles of no more than 5,000 words each, or five broadcast programmes, of no more than 3 hours in total. In addition to quality of reporting, balanced perspective, insight and analysis, judges will be looking for style and presentation, as well as outlets that are building a reputation amongst business and investor communities as a valued source of information about Africa.
- Journalist of the Year
A portfolio of three features (on any one or a mixture of media platforms) of no more than 5,000 words or 1 hour each. Submitted pieces can cover different topics, industries or people, or be part of a series of reportage. Judges will be looking for features that demonstrate:
- Quality, style, presentation and a way of engaging the audience
- A commitment to sustained coverage of the business and economic climate in Africa which serves to highlight opportunities as well as challenges
- A reflection of journalistic integrity and ethics and a true commitment to reporting that does not sensationalise stories or individuals.
For more information, visit www.diageoafricabusinessreportingawards.com or contact:
Alexandra Reza, Awards Secretary, africapractice, areza@africapractice.com.
This article was originally posted on East Africa Business Communities
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