On 7 February 2017, the European Commission announced the launch of the 2017 Lorenzo Natali Media Prize, which recognises outstanding reporting on development and poverty eradication. The Prize is open to professional and amateur journalists, broadcasters and bloggers.
Neven Mimica, Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, said: “This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Lorenzo Natali Media Prize. We’ve expanded its remit over the years to recognise both amateur and professional journalists, but the aim of the Prize remains the same: to celebrate the best reporting on development issues. I encourage journalists to enter the competition and share their powerful stories with us and rest of the world.”
Launched with the hashtag #TellMyStory, the Lorenzo Natali Media Prize celebrates the best traditions of journalism in uncovering powerful and moving stories, giving a voice to those who often find it impossible or difficult to be heard.
The Prize is an opportunity for journalists to demonstrate their commitment to reporting on development, poverty eradication and democracy, as well as inspiring people to improve lives in their own communities.
The Lorenzo Natali Media Prize will be awarded to one amateur and one professional journalist from each of the following regions: Africa; the Arab World and the Middle East; Asia and the Pacific; Latin America and the Caribbean; and Europe. Each winner will be awarded €5 000.
In addition to the main themes outlined above, this year’s competition will include a “Special Prize on Freedom of Religion or Belief outside Europe” covering inspiring stories and initiatives promoting this freedom as well as respect for religious diversity and inter-religious cooperation. The Special Prizes of €5 000 each will be awarded to one amateur and one professional journalist.
The Special Prize is sponsored by Ján Figeľ, Special Envoy for the Promotion of Freedom of Religion or belief outside the European Union. He was appointed by the President of the European Commission in May 2016.
One amateur and one professional journalist will also receive the same prize in the special Freedom of Religion or Belief category.
Submissions for the main Prize and special category will be assessed by an independent jury, which will also award an additional €5 000 Grand Prize to one of the winners.
All 13 winners will receive their awards at a ceremony during the 2017 European Development Days in Brussels this June.
How to apply
Professional and amateur journalists are invited to submit their work related to the themes of the Lorenzo Natali Media Prize. The report can be in any format, i.e. published online (including blogs), in print, or in the form of a short radio, video or TV broadcast. See below for more details on how to register and information on the rules. Applications can be submitted from 7 February until 10 March 2017. See here all rules and criteria.
Background
Established 25 years ago by the European Commission, the Lorenzo Natali Media Prize is awarded in memory of Lorenzo Natali, former Commissioner for Development and a staunch defender of freedom of expression, democracy, human rights and development.
For more information
The Lorenzo Natali Media Prize website: http://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/lnp
How to register : https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/node/95894
European Development Days: https://www.eudevdays.eu/
