Uprisings in Support of Democracy and Freedom Highlighted in 2011 AIBs’ People’s Choice

May 16, 2011 - PRLog -- The People’s Choice category at the 2011 AIBs, international media excellence awards, focuses on international coverage of recent popular uprisings and demonstrations in support of democracy and freedom.  The “Best coverage of democracy uprisings” award is open to international TV coverage this year and the winner will be decided by online voting from a worldwide audience.

This important and gripping topic has attracted immense interest and huge coverage around the world in the first months of 2011, particularly with continuing events across North Africa and the Middle East, although demonstrations in other parts of Africa and Asia must not be forgotten.  In nearly all cases, those struggling for democracy are unable to have their voices and views heard in their own national media which is controlled by unelected leaders.

While much has been made of the use of social media, which has indeed allowed protests to be organised and recorded quickly and effectively, the role of international television and radio has been vital both in broadcasting news to the whole world and hence gathering international support, as well as in providing independent, reliable information on unfolding events to the citizens of countries where uprisings are taking place.

“This year’s People’s Choice on ‘Democracy Uprisings’ allows entrants to the award to show off all that is best about international broadcasting,“ said Simon Spanswick, CEO of the Association for International Broadcasting (AIB).  “We have seen how international broadcasters have met the challenge of bringing audiences worldwide. They have delivered the latest news from dangerous and rapidly changing events where democratic protest and the responses of autocratic regimes under pressure make it difficult to determine what is happening and who is in control.  We have heard the passionate and moving accounts from people in those countries caught in turmoil of how much they value the presence of international broadcasters and appreciate the risks they are taking.  The coverage has demonstrated the finest qualities of broadcasters’ determination to report and analyse events fully and independently, even when the risks are high.”

Now in its second year, the People’s Choice category is the only one at the AIBs which is not judged by an independent panel of experts from the media industry.  The shortlist in this category will be made available to view on online viewing platforms in September and October where viewers around the world will be able to watch six of the best entrants and vote for the most incisive and engaging coverage.  AIB will also encourage discussion and debate on key social media sites about the entries and the issues they raise.

Broadcasters who enter “Democracy Uprisings”, this year’s People’s Choice category, will have the opportunity to demonstrate the quality of their coverage and to be judged against the very best from around the world.  Online viewing and voting, with the associated social media conversations, will allow them to reach a global audience, raising awareness in countries in every continent.    The winner will receive their prestigious award at the awards ceremony in London in November, which attracts broadcasters from all over the world.

Full details of the 2011 AIBs, including how to enter the People's Choice category, can be found on the AIB website.

ABOUT THE AIB
Established in 1993, the AIB is the international industry association and global knowledge network for the international broadcasting industry – cross-media, cross-border, cross-cultural. With a reach of over 25,000 communicators and media professionals, AIB is a unique centre of information about international broadcasting, covering TV, radio, online and mobile. AIB researches regular market intelligence briefings for its members and provides client-specific consultancy and project support. Members receive an extensive package of services throughout the year. AIB publishes the comprehensive Global Broadcasting Sourcebook and the international media magazine, The Channel. AIB hosts the annual AIB International Media Excellence Awards – the "AIBs".

ABOUT THE AIBS
The AIBs categories are:
•   Clearest coverage of a single news event – TV and  radio
•   Best current affairs documentary – TV and radio
•   Best investigative documentary – TV
•   Best children’s factual programme/series –  TV
•   Best science programme – TV
•   Best business programme – TV
•   Best live sports coverage – TV
•   Best creative feature – radio
•   Best cross-media production
•   Most creative marketing strategy
•   Most innovative technology
•   International personality of the year – TV and radio
•   People’s Choice – Best Coverage of Democracy Uprisings

The closing date for entries to the 2011 AIBs is Friday 1 July 2011.  An independent panel of highly respected media professionals from Africa, America, Asia, Australasia, Europe and the Middle East will judge the shortlisted entries in each category, apart from the People’s Choice for which votes from online viewers throughout the world will determine the winner. The Awards will then be presented in London on 9 November at a gala evening attended by presenters, editors, journalists, marketers, technologists and executives from media companies all over the world.

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The Association for International Broadcasting (AIB) provides insight & networking for the international broadcasting industry - cross media, cross border, cross cultural. It covers TV, radio, mobile, online, satellite, regulation, research & technology.