Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Nominate now for the print media, television and radio Human Rights Awards
Reporting on human rights issues in the media in an accurate, fair and thought provoking way is a challenging and complex task which the Australian Human Rights Commission recognises each year in its annual Human Rights Medals and Awards celebration.
Commission President Catherine Branson QC, said journalists, producers and researchers should consider nominating themselves or their peers for the 2010 Print Media, Television and Radio Award.
“Those in the media play an important role in our efforts to protect human rights in Australia by investigating possible breaches of human rights, advocating for the rights of vulnerable individuals and groups in Australia, and making sure none of us takes our freedoms for granted,” Ms Branson said.
“The Australian Human Rights Commission encourages journalists, readers, viewers and listeners to nominate those in the media for their outstanding efforts to promote human rights.”
Deb Whitmont, a member of last year’s award winning ABC TV Four Corners team program, ‘Going back to Lajamanu’, said journalism provided the chance to change things for the better.
“The Human Rights Awards recognise the potential of journalism as a force for justice in our community,” Ms Whitmont, a winner of two previous human rights awards, said. “Winning the Human Rights Television Award puts journalists in with inspiring company, it's a great honour and my awards have marked my proudest achievements.”
Winner of the 2009 Radio Award category, Ian Townsend, agreed.
“I think every journalist wants to make a difference. Winning a Human Rights radio award is a career milestone, but more than that, it’s a sign that you’re on the right track.”
Nominations can be made for the Human Rights Medal and Young People’s Human Rights Medal and other Award categories of Law, Community (Organisation), Community (Individual), and Literature (non-fiction).
The Commission’s website contains all the information about the 2010 Human Rights Medals and Awards, including award categories, how to enter, judging criteria, previous winners and how to buy a ticket to the awards ceremony. There’s also a section for media, with the latest news releases, and information about the sponsors for this year’s awards, which are: Rio Tinto; the Department of Immigration and Citizenship; the Law Council of Australia; iHR Australia; Avant Card; Trophyland; The Co-op Bookshop; Online Opinion and Vibe Australia.
Nominations close at 5pm on Monday, 4 October, 2010. Winners will be presented with their Medals and Awards at a ceremony to be held on Human Rights Day, Friday, 10 December 2010 at the Sheraton on the Park Hotel in Sydney.
Nomination forms/information: www.humanrights.gov.au/hr_awards or Ph: 02 9284 9618 or go to: hrawards@humanrights.gov.au
Tickets to the awards ceremony are $80 or $50 concession, which includes two course luncheon and drinks can be obtained by phoning 02 9284 9618 or online at hrawards@humanrights.gov.au.
Media contact: Louise McDermott 02 9284 9851 or 0419 258 597
