Rules

Who Can Enter?

1. Print, online, radio, TV and news agency journalists employed in the regions outlined in rule 17 are invited to submit an application (EITHER individually OR – in the case of jointly authored or jointly produced items - as a group).

2. The laureates of previous competitions may not present a fresh application for the edition of the Prize immediately following their award, but will be eligible to compete again in subsequent editions.

3. Journalistic works written by current members of staff of the European Community institutions or the ProPager agency will not be considered for the Lorenzo Natali Prize. These individuals are allowed to submit their work 2 years after having left their position.

What Can Be Submitted?

4. Applicants may submit ONE item or ONE extract from a series of journalistic works (i.e. one article or programme in a series) on ONE subject which addresses human rights and/or democracy and/or development. This should have as its background the developing world. Applicants submitting more than one entry will be disqualified.

5. The submitted item or extract from a series of journalistic pieces must have been published in print, on-line media, have appeared in an agency dispatch or have been broadcast on radio or on TV, for the first time, between 1st January 2008 and 15th June 2009.

Length and Language of Entries

6. Print and online journalistic items must not exceed 10,000 characters (including spaces) in length - about 5 pages. A shortened version of a longer item will be considered, but in this case the original, full-length item must also be submitted (see rules 11 and 12).

7. Radio and TV programmes must not exceed 30 minutes in length. A shortened version of a longer programme will be considered, but in this case the length of the original item must be stated. With all radio and TV programmes, the complete associated script must also be submitted.

8. Print and online press, may be submitted in any language . If it is written in one of the 23 official languages of the European Union, it must be submitted along with a compulsory summary in English, French or Spanish. If it is written in any other language, it must be submitted along with a translation and a summary in English,
French or Spanish. The summary should be carefully written and - where appropriate – translated, since it will be used in editorial pre-selection. The summary must be 2,000 characters (including spaces) in length (+/- 10%).

9. Radio and TV programmes may be submitted in any language. With all radio and TV programmes, the complete associated script and summary of the script must also be submitted. The script can be submitted in any languages. If it is submitted in any other language than the 23 languages of the European Union, it must be submitted along with a translation in English, French or Spanish. A summary of the script must also be sent in French, English or Spanish. The summary must be 2,000 characters (including spaces) in length (+/- 10%).

Other entry requirements

10. All applicants must enclose:

  • either the original work with the consent form authorising distribution of his/her work duly filled in and signed;
  • or the copy of the work with the distribution consent of the editor in chief or of the professional body to which the applicant has accorded their rights.

11. Print journalists are required to send a copy of the published journalistic work either as a clipping, a photocopy or as a PDF file. On-line journalists are required to send a copy of the published journalistic work in HTML format by e-mail, floppy disk, CD-ROM or a URL that can be viewed unaltered for judging from July to October 2009.

12. Radio journalists are required to submit a copy of their work on CD-ROM or on- line in MP3 format. TV journalists are required to submit a copy of their work on DVD or on-line in Windows Media Player or QuickTime format.

13. The name of the author and date of publication or broadcast should be clearly indicated on all items submitted (print, on-line, radio and TV). Note that no work submitted for consideration for the Natali Prize shall be returned.

14. Each entry must be accompanied by an entry form, available on the Lorenzo Natali Prize website, from the European Commission Delegations and Representations or from ProPager and a CV.

Selection Procedure and Criteria

15. An independent Grand Jury made up of media, development and human rights professionals will examine the pre-selected journalistic items and propose a list of prize-winners for consideration by the European Commission

16.The Grand Jury will consider the following criteria in arriving at their decision:

• Relevance of the subject matter to human rights and development issues
• Originality of approach to the subject matter
• Professional quality
• Investigative depth
• Risks taken in researching and obtaining source material
• Impact on public opinion

The Grand Jury may decide not to recommend a Prize if the criteria listed above are not met.
Prizes

17. The European Commission will award the Lorenzo Natali Prizes on the basis of a proposal from the Grand Jury. Three prizes will be awarded in each of the following five regions:

• Africa
• Arab World and the Middle East
• Asia and the Pacific
• Europe
• Latin America and the Caribbean

In principle, 3 prizes will be awarded for print journalism in each region and 2 Special Prizes will be awarded for the best entry in each TV and Radio category.
A Grand Prize will be awarded for the best piece of journalism across all media.

18. The decision of the jury and the European Commission shall be final.

19. Each winner will receive a Trophy and a Financial Award under the following categories:

In each region:

  • 1st Prize: 5,000 €
  • 2nd Prize: 2,500 €
  • 3rd Prize: 1,500 €

    • Grand Prize, Special Prize TV and Special Prize Radio will be awarded 5,000 € each


    Reproduction and Dissemination Rights

    20. The European Commission has the right to reproduce and disseminate the works submitted in its own publications and in publicity material for the Lorenzo Natali Prize, including dissemination through its website, through its partners and by any other means deemed necessary to promote the Prize.
    Deadline

    21. The deadline for submission of entries has been extended to July 31st 2009.