Vodacom Journalist of the Year Award is a national initiative aimed at honouring outstanding journalists who report with insight and clarity in the face of political, social or economic pressures.
The competition begins with a round of Regional Finals, which will be held around the country, beginning 28 August 2006. Winners in the various sections will automatically compete in the National Finals.
The competition continues to cater for all categories of media, print, online, television, radio and photography, totalling 13 categories. In the online section, entries are permitted in Sport, Photography and Financial/Economic categories only.
The judges will award a Grand Prize of R100 000 to the journalist whose individual piece of work merits the title Vodacom Journalist of the Year 2006. In addition to an overall cash prize, a certificate and cash prize of R5 000 will be awarded to the winner in each regional category. National winners will receive a cash prize of R10 000 and a certificate.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a journalist who has made a meaningful contribution to the profession. Journalists cannot submit entries in this category as the winner is selected at the sole discretion of the judges.
Countrywide editors are encouraged to enter their most promising young journalists in the special Editor's Choice category. Through adjudication, the most promising young journalist, based on demonstrated potential, will be awarded a scholarship to the Thompson Foundation school of journalism in Wales
The regional and national judges consist of a well-recognised, independent panel of professionals
The National Awards ceremony takes place on Sunday, 29 October 2006, at Vodaworld, Midrand, Gauteng.
For more information about the competition and the entry process, go to www.vodacom.co.za.
