New Prize Honouring Canadian Media Outlets for Excellence in Human Rights Journalism

Journalists for Human Rights to recognize Canadian media organizations or teams human rights coverage.

TORONTO, Aug. 16, 2013 /CNW/ - Journalists for Human Rights, Canada's leading media development organization announces a new annual prize to recognize outstanding media coverage of human rights issues.

The JHR Prize for Excellence in Human Rights Journalism will be awarded to a Canadian media organization, or team within a large organization, that has demonstrated the best and most innovative coverage of human rights issues in Canada or internationally.

"JHR's mission is to empower journalists to cover human rights stories objectively and effective ely," said Executive Director Rachel Pulfer. "As a proudly Canadian organization it is important that we recognize the excellent contributions to human rights journalism being made by media professionals across this country. When the media focuses on human rights people start to talk about the issues and positive change happens."

The winner of the inaugural JHR Prize will be announced at JHR's Night for Rights Gala on September 26, 2013 in Toronto. The winner will receive a plaque and the opportunity to participate in JHR programming, either in an advisory or training capacity, over the period of one year. Samples of work from the winning team will be showcased on JHR's website and promoted across the country.

The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, September 10^th. Nominees must be Canadian journalism organizations or teams, working in print, radio, television, online journalism, or a combination thereof. The prize-winning team or organization will be selected by a jury of journalists and media development professionals.

Those wishing to submit must provide a cover letter and samples of work that clearly shows a commitment to quality human rights accountability journalism.

For further information on how to nominate a media organization or team, please visit http://www.jhr.ca/en/awards.php

Notes for Editors:

Journalists for Human Rights (www.jhr.ca ) is Canada's leading media development organization. JHR helps journalists build their capacity to report ethically and effectively on human rights and governance issues in their communities. Since 2002, JHR has trained over 12,000 journalists whose stories have reached over 50 million people.

JHR currently has projects in Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Tanzania, and Northern Ontario.

SOURCE: jhr (Journalists for Human Rights)

Claire Hastings, JHR's Director of Community Engagement at [email protected] or t. 416 413 0240 ext. 206