Azernews.Az

By Aynur Jafarova

Azerbaijan's state fund supporting the media announced a contest of journalists' articles on the occasion of Novruz Holiday on February 8.

The contest aims to reveal the writing skills of journalists in such key directions as: the development of freedom of expression and speech, and pluralism; informing the world community of the truth about the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh and defending Azerbaijan's just position; promotion of social and economic development of the Azerbaijani regions.

The contest will also evaluate journalists' skills on promoting Azerbaijan's history, as well as cover national customs, traditions and culture; physical and moral development of children and youth; protection of public and state interests; Azerbaijan's integration into the world community, development of cooperation with the regional countries as well as other states and international organizations; Diaspora, lobbying and unity of world Azerbaijanis; development of information and communication technologies; religious and ethnic tolerance, development of multinational relations.

Persons who continuously worked in mass media at least for one year can apply for the contest. The submitted articles should cover one of the themes announced by the Fund. Every journalist can submit only one article which was published in the past one year in one of the periodical editions not included in the "black list" of the Press Council, the media watchdog. There should be a note under the article saying "To submit to the Fund of State Support for Mass Media Development under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan". Journalists, except those who work at news agencies and regional media, should publish their articles only in the media outlets they work in.

Three winners on every theme will be selected. Two of them are defined for the local media while one spot is reserved for a regional media journalist. They can gain a maximum of 50 points. The participant that scored less than 30 points will not win. Each of the 30 winners will receive a 1,000 manat (around $1,270) award. Ten article authors will be awarded with a 300 manat stimulating money award. Each winner will also be awarded with the Fund's special diploma.

The articles should be in A3 format and cannot be more than one page (9-11,000 letters) long. The published article (1 copy of newspaper), A4 printed form (3 copies, without signature of the author) and e-version (Times New Roman, font 12, on a CD) must be submitted to the Fund.

The applications and articles can be submitted in person to the State Fund from February 8 to March 11, 2013, at 10.00-16.00 on official work-days. March 11 is the deadline for their submission.