General Press Release No. 227 (February 1999)

Australian Press Council Prize 1998-9

The Australian Press Council has announced the terms of entry for its 1998-9 award. The Prize is awarded for the best essay submitted on a set topic. In 1998-9, the topic is:

Principle 4 states, "News obtained by dishonest or unfair means, or the publication of which would involve a breach of confidence, should not be published unless there is an over-riding public interest." Discuss this principle, especially in the light of the number of stories obtained through leaks and whistleblowers who may have breached the law or a confidence in passing the information along.

Entries are invited in two categories:

1. Tertiary students (as at 30 June 1999), who will have a 2,500 word limit; and
2. Secondary students (as at 30 June 1999), with a 1,500 word limit.

Winners in each category will be selected by a panel of judges and the prizes of up to $1,500 will be awarded in each category.

The final date for receipt of submissions is 30 June 1999.

Entries should be typescript and double-spaced.

The Council specifies that entries demonstrate some effort to research the topic and argue it seriously. Entries must list all references consulted.

The Australia Press Council reserves the right not to award a prize/s.

Attached to this Press Release are biographical details of the winners of the 1997-8 Prize.

INQUIRIES AND FURTHER DETAILS:

The Executive Secretary, The Australian Press Council
303/149 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000.
Tel: (02) 9261 1930 or (1800) 02 5712. Fax: (02) 9267 6826
email: info@presscouncil.org.au

Note: The APC address changed in October 2003. Please see our new contact details.

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