Press Releases

October 9, 2007. Lusaka 

2007 Media Awards for Best Coverage of HIV/AIDS Issues

Lusaka - The United States Embassy in partnership with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia Chapter is pleased to announce the 6th annual Media Awards contest for the best coverage of HIV/AIDS issues by Zambian Journalists.  This prestigious award has grown in stature over the years, and has come to represent the absolute best of Zambian journalism.

As in the past, the 2007 Media Awards will recognize the important role Zambian journalists play in fighting HIV/AIDS. The awards will be presented at a gala dinner on December 1, 2007 in conjunction with the MISA Media Freedom Awards at the Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka.

CATEGORIES:  Print media, Radio, Television and Photojournalism.

PRIZES:  K2,000,000 for the best entry in each category.  The winner will also receive a plaque.

ELIGIBILITY:  All journalists working for established media organizations in Zambia, as well as freelancers, are eligible to enter the contest.

TIME FRAME:  Entries must have been published or broadcast in Zambia between October 31, 2006 to November 9, 2007.

CRITERIA:  Entries will be judged according to their effectiveness in helping combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Zambia.  Preference will be given to articles, photos and broadcast programming which, in the opinion of the judges, succeeded in significantly promoting public education on HIV/AIDS-related issues.  Notable themes include: fighting stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS; promoting a more open discussion of the disease and its prevention; informing public attitudes about people living with HIV/AIDS; persuading Zambians of the benefits of knowing their HIV/AIDS status; and presenting clear information on how to use the knowledge of one’s HIV/AIDS status to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.

MEANS OF SUBMISSION:  Entries must be in the form of original clippings for print and cassette, CD, DVD, VHS format for broadcast.  Entries submitted in any other format will be automatically disqualified.  No more than one entry per individual, or three per news organization (if contesting as an organization) will be accepted.  Proof of authorship will be required.

WHERE TO SEND SUBMISSIONS:  Submissions should be sent by post or delivered in person to: The 2007 Media Awards for Best Coverage of HIV/AIDS Issues, c/o MISA Zambia, P.O. Box 32295, Lusaka, Plot No. 3814, Martin Mwamba Road, Olympia Park (Off Great East Road) by November 9, 2007 at 17:00hrs.
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