Online journalists are to be recognised for the first time in this year's Malta Journalism Awards.

Organised by The Malta Press Club, the awards were established in 1990 and are open to all journalists working on the islands of Malta and Gozo in the Mediterranean.

For the first time, the new ‘e-journalism’ category rewards the work of the island’s web journalists. At the ceremony in November, winners will be presented with a trophy designed by Maltese artist Luciano Micallef and a cash prize of 400 Euros. The ceremony will be broadcast on national Maltese television.

Online news publishing in Malta has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, according to Carmel Bionello of the Malta Press Club. "It’s shown a marked increase and is particularly important to Maltese who are permanently or temporarily abroad."

Many Maltese newspapers publish a web edition, but there are also currently three web-based news publications: MaltaMedia, Malta Star and Di-ve News. Web journalists from all three of these publications are expected to take part in the awards scheme.

The awards are important for journalism in Malta, Ms Bionello told dotJournalism.

"They put the spotlight on journalists - at least for one day - and in doing so they highlight the importance and values of journalism in our society.”

Submissions can be in either English or Maltese and must have been published or broadcast in Malta during 2002. The deadline is Friday 8 August.

The closing date for the Gold Award, a separate category honouring outstanding journalistic achievement, has been extended to 29 August.

See also:
http://www.maltapressclub.org.mt
http://www.maltastar.com/
http://maltamedia.com/
http://www.di-ve.com/dive/portal/portal.jhtml?id=99854&pid=23

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