Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) Isu Elihle (Great Idea) Awards 2016 for Journalists in East and Southern Africa

There are two stages to this competition:

First stage: Submission of story idea

Journalists submit their story ideas between: 05 October and CLOSING DATE 03 November 2016. These ideas will go through an adjudication process, undertaken by a panel of judges made up of children, an international child rights expert, representatives from the participating organisations and an independent news editor. Following the adjudication process, the top three finalists will be announced in November online and across social media platforms as well as mainstream media.

Second stage: Producing and publishing the full story

The top three journalists’ newsrooms will be given financial support to research and develop their concepts into publishable material, which will then be published (print or online) or broadcast, by a news media house of their choosing. Please note that freelance journalists must take sole responsibility to approach a media house and form an agreement to publish/broadcast with the media house in question should their story idea be selected as part of the top three. The top three stories will undergo further adjudication and will be ranked according to first, second prizes and Overall winner. Finalists will be announced in November 2016.

The prizes include:

*Please note that the amounts calculated above are in South African currency.

Judging Criteria:

The story idea must give consideration for the best interests of children and the ethical manner in which children are treated and given a voice in the story . Journalists must adhere to ethical practices and principles in the planning and execution of the story as MMA and its partners will not tolerate the violation of children’s rights in the media,   in any shape or form. Please refer to the Editorial guideline and principals for reporting on children

Focus has to be given to  issues that impact children and where children’s voices  and opinions are prioritised.

The story idea must be fresh, innovative, and offer a different perspective to children’s issues. If the story idea is selected as part of the top three, the journalist must be able to produce the story within             reasonable time period.

The story idea could be about an area that is not commonly given a children’s angle such as the economy or economic impact on children, land issues, investment or any other trending news story or topic.

Stories need to highlight possible solutions to problems or issues that children face and where possible, promote solutions offered by children.

Adjudicators will look into the Extent to which a story challenges common negative stereotypes about the roles of children in society, especially within the gender debate. Stories should avoid treating children as homogenous group and should consider how multiple deprivations affect children from different backgrounds.

Stories must not perpetuate discrimination on the basis of: sex, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, HIV status, disabilities, ethnic identity, gender identity and nationality.

Story must seek the truth and report it accurately and as fully as possible.

Act independently and minimise harm to children.

Story must ensure balanced reporting that is in the best interests of the child and the journalist must listen attentively to children.

Register Now for the 2016 Isu Elihle Awards

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the 2016 Isu Elihle Award