CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards open

Tony Maddox, executive vice president and managing director of CNN International, said: “We are delighted that for the 2008 CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards, we are returning to the awards' birth place of Ghana. As the awards continue to grow in stature, strength and prestige, it is fitting that Ghana be chosen as the host country. It is wonderful that entries from across the continent continue to grow, making this a truly pan-African event.”

Nolo Letele, CEO MultiChoice South Africa, said: “After the very successful 2007 African Journalist of the Year awards held in Cape Town, we are delighted to again partner with CNN for the 2008 awards. The Awards truly enable us to celebrate media excellence, and recognise the power and impact of the media on the African continent.”

Richard M. Kavuma from Uganda, was awarded the top prize at the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2007 Awards ceremony. Kavuma, who works for The Weekly Observer in Uganda won for his series of articles: ‘To assess the country's performance on Millennium Development Goals', which were chosen from among 1670 entries from 40 nations across the African continent.

Kavuma said: "Winning CNN Multichoice African Journalist of the Year Award has been the most humbling, yet most beautiful thing to have happened to me. The award has transformed me from a simple messenger amplifying the people's voice to a national hero inundated with congratulatory messages and stopped by ordinary people in the streets. But it has also given me access to more platforms and podiums to speak about the plight of the people that my winning articles focused on. Since July, I have granted numerous interviews to radio, TV, newspaper, and Magazine journalists from Africa and Europe. I have addressed various audiences including University students and have been recognised by various organisations and companies. The Award has strengthened my motivation and put me in a strong position to live my personal and professional dreams. As the first Ugandan to win this prestigious award… It seems my award has brought not only pride to my colleagues but also a greater realisation of their own potential as journalists. I therefore hope that you too submit your work at least to see how it compares with that of your professional colleagues. Like me, you may be in for the biggest surprise of your life.”

Over the past 12 years, the competition has grown in size and status to become Africa's most prestigious media event. In 2007, it attracted a record-number of entries from 40 African countries and a ‘Highlights Programme' of the ceremony, held in Cape Town, South Africa, was broadcast in 44 African countries, on the Africa Channel in the US, the OB Channel in the UK and RTP Africa.

This year, the competition will recognise excellence in the following categories:
1. Tourism Award
2. Arts and Culture Award sponsored by Celtel
3. Economics & Business Award sponsored by Coca-Cola Africa
4. Environment Award sponsored by Ecobank
5. Free Press Africa Award
6. MSD Health & Medical Award
7. The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Award for Excellence in HIV/AIDS Reporting in Africa
8. MIH Print Africa Award – Best Feature in a Consumer Magazine
9. Mohamed Amin Photographic Award presented by Camerapix
10. Print General News Award sponsored by Safebond Africa Ltd.
11. Radio General News Award
12. Sport Award sponsored by Global Media Alliance
13. Television – General News - Feature/Current Affairs Award sponsored by IPP Media Tanzania
14. Television – General News - News Bulletin Award
15. Francophone General News Award (Print and TV/Radio);
16. Francophone MIH Print Africa Award – Best Feature in a Consumer Magazine
17. Portuguese Language General News Award

From these category winners, the judges choose the overall winner: The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2008.

Finalists in the 2008 competition will participate in a four day finalists' programme that will include workshops, a media forum, networking opportunities with senior journalists, editors, business leaders and media owners from across the continent, culminating in a gala awards ceremony in July, 2008. Each category winner receives a substantial cash prize plus laptop, with modem and printer. The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2008 will receive an additional cash prize and a trip to CNN Center in Atlanta.

The competition is open to African professional journalists including freelancers across print, television, internet, photographic and radio. Full details on how to enter can be found by logging on at www.cnn.com/africanawards. The closing date for entries is 15th February, 2008 and the judging will take place in May.