The George Munster Award recognises excellence in independent
journalism. It is awarded each year by the Australian Centre for Independent
Journalism (ACIJ) at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) for the
outstanding piece of journalism published or broadcast in any medium that
year.
Originally instituted as an award for freelance
journalism, the George Munster Award has been given to freelance radio and
print journalists since 1986. In 1998 it was expanded to include applicants
who are not freelancers but are able to demonstrate independence of mind,
acuity and excellence in their craft.
About George Munster
George Munster was a co-founder of the Nation,
a fortnightly journal (later to merge with the Review to
become Nation Review), and a freelance editor, journalist
and writer of books. He later became an editor with Angus and Robertson
Publishers and reverted to freelance work both as a journalist and book
writer.
When George Munster's book Rupert Murdoch:
A Paper Prince was launched in October 1985, a little over a year
after his death, a number of his friends decided to commemorate his life
and the outstanding contribution he made to journalism by instituting an
annual journalism award.
Conditions of the Award
The primary criteria underpinning this award are
independence and excellence. "Independence" refers to the demonstrated attitude
and mindset of the journalist in relation to the parties who have a direct
interest in the content of the piece or series submitted.
There will be only one award presented each year
and this will be at the discretion of the judges. The prize may not be given
if there is not deemed to be a suitable candidate. The amount of the award
in 2004 shall be $1000.
The award is for the best piece of journalism
or series, published or broadcast in any medium in the 12 months prior to
30 June of the year the award is presented. Applicants must have been ordinarily
resident in Australia for no less than twelve months prior to that date.
The work presented by the applicant for consideration must demonstrate:
1. intellectual rigour, integrity and independence
from undue influence
2. accuracy, insight and sophistication of investigation
and analysis
3. excellence in craft and style in the chosen
medium of production and presentation.
Applications
Applications must be received by the ACIJ by the
closing date (see Application form for details.)
In 2004, the closing date is Friday, August 27, 2004. Applicants must
forward an Application Form which must be accompanied by
- four copies of the piece or series of
journalism which is being submitted for consideration, and
- a statement of between 1000 and 2000
words addressing points 1, 2 and 3 above.
The award is open to individuals or, where appropriate,
a team. Applicants may apply directly or be nominated by other people, including
the management and editors of newspapers, magazines, radio and television
stations, film distributors and on-line publishers.
The 2004 award presentation will be made on Friday
17 September, 2004, as part of the George Munster Journalism
Forum conducted by the ACIJ in collaboration with ABC Radio National.
Application forms for the George Munster Award for Independent Journalism,
and information about the Munster Forums, can be obtained on this site, or from the ACIJ.
Contact: ACIJ, PO Box 123, Broadway, 2007
Tel: (02) 9514 2295; Fax: (02) 9281
2976.
E-mail: acij@uts.edu.au
http://www.journalism.uts.edu.au/acij
