16th May 2011
The Peoples 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 years Peoples 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 Peoples 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 years Peoples 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.
The entry booklet with full details of the 2011 AIBs can be seen and downloaded here