The Cable News Network (CNN) MultiChoice African Journalist competition aims to reinforce the importance of the journalists’ role in Africa and to recognise and develop journalistic talent across all disciplines.

The competition is open to African professional journalists and freelancers working on the continent for media organisations that are:

• African-owned;
• headquartered within the continent of Africa; and
• distribute in Africa a printed publication and/or electronic medium broadcast which is primarily designed for, and received by, an African audience.

The judges will be looking for work which:

• Tells the story in a clear, comprehensive, and balanced manner;
• Has made these stories or issues accessible and relevant to their audiences;
• Demonstrates journalistic ability and integrity;
• Displays well-organised research, depth and insight: and
• Was broadcast or published in 2008, with proof of publication or broadcast supplied.

There are 17 prizes - one prize for each of the 16 categories and a prize for the overall winner who is selected from the 16 category winners. Category winners will receive a state-of-the-art laptop computer and a cash prize. From these winners, the judges will award the grand prize to the journalist whose individual piece or body of work merits the title CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2009, whether they be a print, television, internet, radio or photographic entry.

The following are some of the categories:

1. The HIV/AIDS Award - This award will recognise outstanding reporting on HIV/AIDS in Africa and specifically the broad impact of the epidemic across different sectors of society, on individuals, communities and nations, and the resilience of the African response to the epidemic.
2. MSD Health & Medical Award - Entries may relate to all aspects of general health and medical issues including: diseases and their treatments; healthcare development, training of medical personnel, the exodus of medical professionals from the continent, the cost of healthcare and the role of African traditional medicines and healers.
3. Arts and Culture - Stories may relate to any aspect of African arts, (i.e. visual art, music, dance, acting, writing, sculpture, crafts etc) or culture.
4. Environment - Entries may relate to any aspect of the environment and its protection in Africa.
5. Economics and Business - Stories may relate to any aspect of economic and business development across the continent.
6. Free Press Africa Award - This award recognises journalistic work that demonstrates courage and integrity and enhances the cause of media freedom.

Click here for more categories.

Click here for more information about the competition.

Deadline for entries is February 16 2009.

Click here for the entry form.

Click here for a list of collection points.

Judging will take place end of April 2009 by a panel of independent judges with knowledge and experience of journalistic practices in Africa. Submitted material cannot be returned.

Click here for previous winners.

CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Competition website on December 17 2008.