The first edition of the European Parliament Prize for Journalism was launched yesterday at a news conference at the European Parliament Information Office in Valletta. The prize winner will be announced in October, and will receive e5,000.

Speaking at the news conference, European Parliament Press Officer Massimo Farrugia explained that the establishment of this prize seeks to recognise the work of journalists who have promoted a clear understanding of EU institutions, policies or other major European issues.

The award will be divided into four categories – written press, radio, TV and internet – and the winner of each category will be awarded the e5,000 prize. Entries will be selected by an independent national jury comprised of three to five members of the journalistic profession, before being submitted to the European jury, led by a European Parliament vice-president, to contest with entries from other EU member states.

Entries must be submitted to the European Parliament Valletta Office by 15 May, and may be sent by email, registered mail, or hand-delivered to the office at 280, Republic Street, Valletta. Application forms and a full list of the prize’s rules and regulations may be found at www.eppj.eu.

This prize is being supported by the Institute of Maltese Journalists and the Journalists’ Committee. Speaking at the news conference both Malcolm Naudi, chairman of the Institute of Maltese Journalists, and Karl Schembri, chairman of the Journalists’ Committee, emphasised the improved quality of Maltese journalism over the past years, and encouraged Maltese media organisations to submit work for this competition. They expressed their hope that a Maltese entry will fare well in this award, adding that this would be a testament to the high quality of local journalism.