Last date for AJA entries is January 14

The General Secretariat of the Arab Journalism Awards (AJA) announced yesterday the final deadline for receiving entries to the award programme in its ninth edition is January 14.

Muna Bu Samra, Awards Deputy Manager, said: "We expect the number of participants to increase substantially this year, especially in view of the new and thoroughly enhanced structure of the award. The new structure has brought in focus on the youth, opened up participation for online journalism and made important changes to the previous structure. The changes have been welcomed by all."

Bu Samra highlighted the increased participation from the North African countries and Syria compared to last year and attributed it to the impact of the road shows that were conducted in a number of Arab capitals.

The Arab Journalism Award delegation visited Syria for the first time this year, and met with ministers, news agencies, journalists' syndicates and other media entities. The tours also covered Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia.

Bu Samra called upon editors of online and print publications to nominate columnists for the award for best columnists, as well as young journalists within their organisations in order to encourage recognition of their talents and skills.

Since its inception, the General Secretariat of the award has made efforts to expand the network of Dubai Press Club by intensive tours to various Arab countries. These tours served the purpose of enhancing participation in the award's different categories.

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