Programs and Events
Benjamin Franklin Award Announced
On Tuesday, May 26, the PD Auditorium was packed with local journalists for a press conference announcing the Benjamin Franklin Literary Prize. Not only were the journalists going to report on the contest, but many of them will participate in it. By the end of the press conference, several journalists had already signed up.
Designed to support responsible and accurate reporting on the United States in Congolese media, the prize is dedicated to the spirit of journalistic independence and democratic values personified by Benjamin Franklin. The competition is open to all professional journalists resident in the DRC, including freelancers and bloggers. The work must be original reportage or commentary in French on any aspect of American politics, culture, economy or foreign affairs (including relations with the DRC). Entries will be considered in four categories: periodical, radio, television and the internet, and a winner from each category will be awarded $1,000. Five articles or broadcasts are to be submitted prior to March 31, 2010. Inscription for the contest will close on July 31, 2009.
Deciding the winners will be a jury of eminent journalists: Professor Andre Yoka Lye of Institut Facultaire des Sciences de l’Information et de la Communication (IFASIC) and Catholic Faculties; Madame Aziza Bangwene of Institut Panos Paris, Momat Mwana-Sompo Vice-President of Union nationale de la presse du Congo, and Jacques Kimpozo Secrétaire de l’Observatoire des Medias Congolais. A representative from the Embassy will serve as fifth member of the jury.