Journalist Award - Selection Criteria

March 2011

The 2011 EUROPEAN UNION JOURNALIST AWARD

in association with

Qantas Airways and the National Press Club

Selection Criteria Guidelines

1. While the Award is open to all working journalists preference is given to those who have demonstrated ability to have their work widely published or broadcast.
2. While the subject of the project proposal is open to the journalist's particular interests, it must be based on European integration themes.  For example, protection of the environment, the Lisbon Reform treaty, the Lisbon agenda, enlargement of the Union , econ omic and monetary union, integrated social policies, justice and home affairs policies or the common and foreign security policy. What is not acceptable are issues which affect solely one or two Member States, for example, national elections, political issues pertaining to a Member State, natural disasters or fashion shows in various European capitals.
3. Originality of the proposal is highly valued.  This means that while topical issues are not excluded, preference will be given to areas not canvassed by the mainstream media in Australia but which would add to a better understanding of European affairs.
4. The style of the proposal would therefore be more in the line of feature, magazine or current affairs rather than hard news.
5. The proposal should outline the area of study and its relevance to the target audience in Australia.  The journalist should show at least a basic understanding of the issues involved. The proposal should include the questions to be resolved and the likely respondents described.  Names are not necessary.  While there is no prescribed length to the proposal, it is unlikely that anything less than two A4 typed pages would be deemed sufficient.
6. Assistance will be given in identifying and securing interviews at the most senior or appropriate levels but journalists should bear in mind that it is unlikely that direct access to Commissioners or senior members of national governments would be available.
7. Examples of the journalist's work need not be related to the chosen area of study.  However, the examples chosen should demonstrate the journalist's capacity to undertake the stated project at a high standard. 
8. Three copies of the complete application are essential.

Further information: Roger Camilleri, Delegation of the European Union, Canberra T: (02) 6271 2744; F: (02) 6271 4445; E-mail: roger.camilleri@eeas.europa.eu

list of EUQJA winners 1992 - 2011