The Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) is inviting nominations for its annual Press Freedom Award. The award, with a cash prize of US$1,000, is given to a journalist in the Southern Africa region to honour excellence in journalism.

Excellence in journalism is described by MISA as "the upholding of ethics of the profession at all costs and the relentless pursuit of truth behind the bare facts." The award is in recognition of the work of an individual or institution who is considered to have made a significant contribution to the promotion of media freedom in the region. The excellence which the award acknowledges can be achieved either through reportage or in other ways such as media reform, lobbying or training.

The MISA Press Freedom Award is open to all forms of media (e.g.: photography, print, video, internet, or media associations and institutions). Eligible individuals or institutions should be based in the Southern African region.


All nominations should be accompanied by a motivation not exceeding 1500 words and the CV of the nominee. Where applicable a copy of the work, or a portfolio of work, should be included with the nomination.

Nominations should be sent to the MISA secretariat for the attention of the Regional Director by August 11 2006.