Announcing the finalists, Kibazo said: “2010 is a record-breaking year for entries to these awards. Not only do the numbers continue to grow each year, but the standard rises too. I was particularly impressed by the increasing number of journalists that crossed borders in pursuit of stories. This maturing of journalism, across the continent, combined with technological advances, created a greater body of work and made the awards more exciting to judge.”
Reflecting on the role of the awards, Kibazo added: "The competition is now truly established as a way for African journalists to better their lives. I firmly believe the quality and number of people entering reflects the fact that the awards offer a fantastic opportunity to change an individual's future.”
The 27 finalists from 15 countries:
This year the recipient of the Free Press Africa Award is Mustafa Haji Abdinur, co-founder of SIMBA Radio in Mogadishu and founder of Somali Media for Peace and Development (SOMEPED). He is awarded this prize for his work in Somalia including the ‘Peace Journalism' initiative which he launched with the help of fellow Somali journalists. The award is also in recognition of all the journalists in Somalia who have put their lives at risk in telling the story.
There are nine journalists who died during 2009 whilst fulfilling their professional duties:
The winners of the competition will be announced at an award ceremony and gala evening in Kampala, Uganda on Saturday, 29 May 2010.
The hosts for the evening will be Isha Sesay, presenter of CNN International's weekly programme ‘Inside Africa' and Dr Ronnie Mich Egwang, a well-known Ugandan presenter.
The independent judging panel, chaired by Joel Kibazo, journalist and media consultant, includes: Ikechukwu Amaechi, editor, Daily Independent, Nigeria; Jean-Paul Gérouard, deputy editor-in-chief, France 3 TV; Ferial Haffajee, editor-in-chief, City Press, South Africa; Arlindo Lopes, secretary eneral, Southern African Broadcasting Association; José Luís Mendonça, press counsellor, Angolan Permanent Delegation to UNESCO; Zipporah Musau, managing editor, magazines, The Standard Group, Kenya; Kim Norgaard, CNN bureau chief, South Africa.
Tony Maddox, executive VP and MD of CNN International said: “The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, coinciding with CNN celebrating 30 years as the world's pioneering news provider. As CNN encourages, promotes and recognises excellence in journalism at all levels, we are particularly pleased to be able to support journalists who represent our future. I have witnessed the quality and excellence of work in this competition strengthen year on year, and am proud that it continues to maintain its place as the most prestigious pan-African journalist awards.”
Collins Khumalo, president MultiChoice Africa, said: “We congratulate the 27 finalists of this year's awards. The great success that this event has enjoyed over the past 15 years makes the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards the one honour that journalists and media houses throughout the continent want to be associated with. Through these awards, MultiChoice in partnership with CNN, continue to acknowledge and celebrate the best journalistic talent and skills that Africa's media have to offer.”
The Kampala Serena is the delegate hotel for the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2010. The hotel will host finalists, judges, attending media and guests from across the continent. The finalists will have an all expenses paid five-day programme of workshops, media forums, networking and have the opportunity to see some of the sights of Kampala.
Sponsors include: Coca-Cola Africa; Ecobank, IPP Media, Tanzania; Kampala Serena Hotel; Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD); NN24 Nigeria; Research In Motion (RIM), the company behind the BlackBerry solution; Safebond Africa Ltd and A24 Media.
