Attacks on press freedom figure strongly in this year's awards: a special category for "teaching freedom" will honour projects that make sure new generations understand the importance and fragility of freedom of expression and the role of journalists who have worked and died in its service.
"More than ever before, it is essential that young people understand the central role that press freedom plays in democratic society,' said Dr Aralynn McMane, Executive Director for Youth Engagement and News Literacy at WAN-IFRA. "We witnessed some outstanding work in teaching about freedom of the press after the deadly attack on Charlie Hebdo and know there are more projects out there to be shared. WAN-IFRA wants to make sure those efforts are recognised and repeated as widely as possible."
The World Young Reader Prizes will also feature a second special category on 'Digital First' for news publishers that most creatively engage the young solely through mobile telephone, tablets or other digital devices. CCI Europe supports the category.
The other categories include brand (marketing initiatives), editorial (for innovative content strategies), enduring excellence, news in education (supported by sitesALIVE), public service, the Natasa Prize for printing plants and the World Young Reader News Publisher of the Year. All categories call for activities that target people under age 25. The awards will be presented on 3 September in Mumbai, India, as part of the WAN-IFRA India Conference & Expo.
For more information, go to www.wan-ifra.org/worldyoungreaderprize.
