CNN, MultiChoice to host 2006 African Journalist Awards CNN and MultiChoice Africa are to host the
‘African
Journalist 2006 Awards’ in Maputo, Mozambique. The winners of the prestigious annual Award, now in its 11th year of honouring African
journalism, will be recognised at a gala ceremony.
Chris Cramer, Managing Director, CNN International, said: “We are delighted that the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist awards continue to move around the continent and in 2006 will be in Maputo. This shows the commitment by CNN and our partners MultiChoice Africa to developing journalism in Africa and growing this truly pan-African competition. We are looking forward to this being one of the most memorable Awards ceremonies in 2006.” Previous host countries for the Awards have been Ghana, South Africa and Kenya.
Eben Greyling, CEO MultiChoice Africa, said: “It is very exciting to be partnering with CNN once again to celebrate and recognise excellence in African journalism. Holding the event in Mozambique this year will reflect the diversity of our business on the continent and our commitment to the development and growth of an open and free media in Africa. We look forward to celebrating true excellence in African journalism, the 11th Anniversary of the Awards and, once again, our partnership with CNN.”
The distinguished panel of judges for the 2006 awards has also been announced, with judging of the entries taking place in London from 27 April to 1 May 2006. The judges confirmed to date for 2006 are Dr Doyinsola Abiola, Managing Director Concord Press of Nigeria; Joel Kibazo, Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the Commonwealth Secretariat; CNN’s Africa Correspondent, Jeff Koinange; Arlindo Lopes, senior journalist, Mozambique, and Anna Umbima, broadcaster and journalist.
The competition comprises 15 categories. This year there is a new award, the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Award for HIV/AIDS Journalism. This will recognise outstanding reporting on HIV/AIDS in Africa and specifically the broad impact of the epidemic across different sectors of society –individuals, communities and nations – and the resilience of the African response to the epidemic.
The competition is held in association with South African Airways. Other prestigious sponsors for the African Journalist 2006 Awards are the African Development Bank, Camerapix, Celtel, Global Media Alliance, Johnnic Communications (Johncom), IPP Media, Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD), and Safebond Company Africa Limited.
The winner of the overall CNN MultiChoice African Journalist prize receives a three-week professional programme at CNN Center, Atlanta, with complimentary flights courtesy of South African Airways and a cash prize. Each of the 15 category prize winners, including the overall winner, receives a laptop computer, a modem and printer and an additional cash prize. As well, all winners will participate in a four-day finalists’ programme.