OPSO MEDIA AWARDS 2013
21 August 2012 – 20 October 2013
The 2012-13 OPSO Media Awards are open for the nomination of items featuring positive coverage of Seniors and their issues published or broadcast between September 13, 2012 and 20 August 2013 (National Awards) or 13th September 2012 and 31st August 2013 (People’s Choice Awards).
The Awards are in two Sections, National Awards open to members of the Media, and People’s Choice Awards open to all members of the public. The National Awards are also open to students of Journalism.
Entry Forms may be downloaded from this site for lodgement by mail or can be lodged electronically through the Media Awards page. ALL ELECTRONIC ENTRIES MUST BE BACKED UP BY HARD COPY.
Judging criteria for awards
- Overall impact of report or image
- Quality of reporting or photography
- Clarity of language or image
- Accuracy of detail or acuity of image
- Memorability or influence of report or image
CATEGORIES
1. Best investigative report
- All media (metropolitan) – $1000 and trophy
- All media (rural, regional & community) – $1000 and trophy
This award is presented for investigative journalism that makes a real difference in the lives of older Australians. This investigation may uncover uncomfortable realities but, in so doing, drive community introspection and prompt positive social change. It is open to print, broadcast, online and agency news media personnel or freelance operatives based in either metropolitan or other regions.
2. Best photo spread, photo series, body of work or gallery of images that depicts older Australians in a positive manner
- All media (metropolitan) – $1000 and trophy
- All media (rural, regional & community) – $1000 and trophy
This award is presented for the image or collection of images that best chronicles the spirit of older Australians in a constructive, engaging way while demonstrating a high level of photographic skill. It is open to print, broadcast, online and agency news media photographers or freelance operatives based in either metropolitan or other regions.
3. Most outstanding image of an older Australian
- All media (metropolitan) – $500 and trophy
- All media (rural, regional & community) – $500 and trophy
This award is presented for the single image that captures not only the spirit of positive ageing but also the reality of the subject. It will be a conversation-starter, a magnet for the story it illustrates and it will demonstrate photographic excellence. It is open to print, broadcast, online and agency news media photographers or freelance operatives based in either metropolitan or other regions.
4. Most effective news story on an issue relative to older Australians
- All media (metropolitan) – $500 and trophy
- All media (rural, regional & community) – $500 and trophy
This award is presented for a news story that not only captures and reports an issue of significant importance to older Australians but also exposes or moves an issue along in a way that helps create positive action or attention while demonstrating reporting excellence. It is open to print, broadcast, online and agency news media personnel or freelance operatives based in either metropolitan or other regions.
5. Best feature story illustrating positive ageing
- All media (metropolitan) – $500 and trophy
- All media (rural, regional & community) – $500 and trophy
This award is presented for a feature-length story that best captures the spirit of positive ageing for older Australians. This feature should not only impress but also influence. It will have impact beyond older Australians themselves, as it will deftly reflect the reality of the issue being covered while maintaining the highest level of journalistic professionalism. It is open to print, broadcast, online and agency news media personnel or freelance operatives based in either metropolitan or other regions.
6. Most effective newsletter or communications vehicle for older Australians
- All platforms (print, online, iPad, community radio, email or community TV) – special trophy (no money)
This award is presented to the organisation or individual producing a regular newsletter or series of communication activities that best resonates with older Australians, reflecting their interests, needs and challenges. The content will be constructive, well-rounded and sensitive to issues that impact older Australians on a day-to-day basis, offering sound advice, solutions and resources.
7. Special award for outstanding contribution or continued excellence in the presentation of older Australians’ issues – $500 and trophy
This pinnacle award recognises the continued contribution of an individual, from any media platform, who has made a positive difference to the lives of older Australians by their reporting, photography or other communication efforts. Their work demonstrates not only an understanding of issues that occupy older Australians but also a determined effort to present and explore solutions which address those issues in a balanced way. As a result, the sum of their efforts has had socially positive impact or led to constructive change for at least a cross-section of older Australians.
8. The Carne Reidy Herd Lawyers Award for the best Queensland article on abuse of seniors – $1000 and certificate
This award, sponsored by Carne Reidy Herd (CRH ) Lawyers goes to the Queensland journalist who submits the best judged entry in either print or electronic media that, by its very nature, illustrates and condemns physical, mental, emotional or financial abuse towards seniors.
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OPSO People’s Choice
DO YOU THINK THE COMMUNITY GIVES OLDER PEOPLE A FAIR GO?
We invite you to help us identify the media portraying older people positively – you can do this by entering one or both of the following:
- Collect as many quality media items (online, TV, radio, magazine, newspaper, newsletter, etc.) over the last year (21 August 2012 – 20 October 2013) that show older people ageing positively – $500 and trophy
and/or - Choose a media item from the last year (21 August 2012 – 20 October 2013) that illustrates positive ageing and, in forty (40) words or less, tell us why the item should win an award – $500 and trophy
Please note that the journalist/s responsible for creating the winning item will also be awarded a trophy and $500.
To enter, please go to the Submit Now page and fill out the form.