The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) launched the 25^th edition of the annual press awards, known as the Malta Journalism Awards, with 15 categories. Apart from the journalist himself/herself, Editors and Heads of News Departments may select and submit entries that they consider to be the best work of any individual journalist/s, irrespective of whether that journalist belongs to the same newsroom or not. Submissions can also be forwarded by organisations, corporations and bodies.

In both cases, consent has to be given by the individual journalist/s concerned by filling the appropriate part on the Official Application Form prior to submission of entry by the Editor, Head of News Department, or organisations/corporations/bodies.

“The Institute of Maltese Journalists is this year celebrating its 25th edition of this prestigious event. As in previous years, we are committed to organise this event to perfection. The stronger the participation of fellow journalists, the stronger its success will be. Be it my first IĠM Awards’ ceremony as IĠM Chairman, I urge all members of the media to participate through submission of their work. It is our aim to see that the Awards’ ceremony will be a showcase of the journalists’ end product, a result of journalists’ professionalism and dedication,” said IGM Chairman Karl Wright.

The 15 categories are:

Print categories:

Print Journalism – sponsored by HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c.

Photo Journalism – sponsored by The Farsons Foundation

Broadcast categories:

Broadcast Journalism – TV Script News – sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority

Broadcast Journalism – TV Script Features – sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority

Broadcast Journalism – Film – sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority

Broadcast Journalism – Radio – sponsored by the Broadcasting Authority

E-category:

E-Journalism – sponsored by Smart City Malta

General categories:

Sports Journalism Print – sponsored by Crystal Finance Investment

Sports Journalism Broadcasting – sponsored by The Good Causes Fund

Sports Photography

Travel Journalism – sponsored by Hamilton Travel

Environment Journalism – sponsored by GreenPak Coop Society Ltd

Cultural Journalism – sponsored by the Malta Tourism Authority

Opinion Articles – sponsored by the Central Bank of Malta

Best use of Maltese Language in Journalism – Sponsored by the Kunsill Nazzjonali tal-Ilsien Malti

This year’s edition of the Gold Award is once again being sponsored by Fondazzjoni Tumas Fenech għall-Edukazzjoni fil-Ġurnaliżmu. More details about this particular award will be announced at a later date.

Following recommendations by previous judging panels, the Institute draws the attention of journalists to the following points:

only coverages that were made overseas by the journalist concerned are to be submitted in the Overseas Assignment category;

in the Broadcast TV Script and Broadcast Radio categories, all submissions are to be accompanied by the respective script;

the same journalistic work or the same series can only be submitted in one category;

journalists are to put forward their submissions in a presentable manner; and

in selecting their best work, journalists shall seek to submit the most ethical work and avoid submitting material that only serves sensationalism.

Prizes

The first three classified in each category will receive a certificate.

The winner of the first 14 categories above will each be awarded:

a cash prize of €200;

a certificate; and

the Malta Journalism Awards trophy for the respective category.

The winner of the special category entitled ‘Il-Lingwa Nazzjonali fil-Ġurnaliżmu’ will be presented with the Malta Journalism Award trophy for that category.

Announcement of Finalists

The Finalists will be announced at a ceremony at Palazzo Capua, Sliema on Friday, 15 May, 2015.

Presentation Ceremony

The Winners will be announced at a presentation ceremony to be held on Friday, 10^th July, 2015, at SmartCity Malta, Kalkara.

All Maltese journalists may participate

All Maltese journalists may participate in the Malta Journalism Awards, irrespective of whether they are IĠM members or not. All entries, whether in Maltese or English, must have been published or broadcast in Malta between 1 January, 2014, and 31st December, 2014.

Closing Date

Submissions will be received at the offices of the Institute of Maltese Journalists, 280/3 Republic Street, Valletta, on Thursday, 19^th March 2015, between 9.30 a.m. and 12.00 p.m. (noon).

Non-members have to pay a participation fee with the submission.

Regulations and applications may be obtained either by phoning Roderick Agius 99471549 or from the website: www.igm.org.mt.