Aspects/ Area of Reporting

The report should cover the areas of human rights violation (of marginalized populations including sex workers, injecting drug users, PLHIVs any other related ones); various issues regarding HIV implementation in the country; basic knowledge and information on HIV and AIDS issues (namely Voluntary Counselling and Treatment, Parents to Child Transmission of HIV etc.); HIV prevalence in Bangladesh and impact on development; roles of civil society organisations, Community-based Organisations and government representatives to the national response of AIDS, policy and environmental change issues and commitments and actions of the government and any other relevant issues that may deem important.

 Eligible Media and the conditions for the competition

Print Media (Language, English/Bangla of the content of the report should be treated equally)

• Journalists who have writings on any above HIV and AIDS issues in Bangladesh, no matter whether he/she is a freelancer or affiliated or working in a news paper or magazine, can take part in the competition.
• The reports must be special reports, features and investigative reports.
• Writings can be either in English or Bengali language and must have a minimum length of 1000 words. Report in the local language must be accompanied by a type written Bengali or English translation and a written certification from the Chief Editor of the media published the articles.
• Each applicant can submit up to three pieces of works on the issue done in the awarding year. The reports should be published in a news paper or magazine of mass circulation in the country. Separate entry form should be filled up for each entry
• If the article is in press, the applicant must secure a written commitment from the authorized media representative with the definite schedule of publication.   

Radio & Television ((Either in English or Bangla)

• The competition is open to all radio and TV producers/journalists from public service broadcasting organizations, private networks and free-lance producers covering any of the above HIV and AIDS issues in Bangladesh.
• Entries will be accepted from all producers, regardless of the nature, size and shape of the organization.
• Eligible entries include a special report, current affairs program, talk show or a documentary with a length of between 5 minutes and 60 minutes. A series of at least 10-minute feature report each (minimum of two reports) is acceptable.
• Each producer can submit up to three entries with separate entry form.
• All entries can be in English and/or in Bengali. If they are in the vernacular or local language, a subtitle in English/Bengali should be in place for television, and for radio, they should be accompanied by a typewritten English/Bengali translation.
• In both instances, entry must be submitted together with the entry form and a written certification from the editor/executive producer that the translation truly reflects the content of the program script in the local language.
• All entries must be submitted in VCD/DVD for TV programs and in CD for radio programs.

Assessment Procedure

• To assess the work, subject –matter expertise jurors will be employed. A first hand panel will undertake the first screening to ensure basic rules and requirements are met.
• Professional and independent jurors with relevant expertise and experience in each category will do the second screening.
• They will judge each entry submitted in its entirety, in an independent and objective manner. All entries must meet the universally accepted standards of professional journalism relating to fairness, relevance, accuracy and balance.

Overall Assessment Content

• Is the information credible/informative, clear and consistent?
• Is the information complete? Are the main points stressed? Is anything of significance to the user missing?
• Is there a clear focus on the targeted issue(s)?
• Is the information appropriate for the target audience?
• Are any technical terms/concepts clearly explained? Does the content minimize any confusion about the subject?
• Is the information new and/or relevant to the user? Is there any indication that the information is regularly updated?
• Is the site's sponsor clearly identified? Are there e-mail links and/or feedback forms to allow for user interaction?

Print

• Sourcing – (25 Points) article must feature more than one source of data. Claims must be corroborated by interviews, documents and/or studies.
• Clarity of Message–(25 Points) the article explains the topic clearly to the newspaper/magazine audience, ensuring right grammar, syntax and choice of words.
• Technical Proficiency – (25 Points) the piece must show above average level of writing skill/style, appealing and able to communicate complex issues into understandable piece to the ordinary reader.
• Impact on Society – (25 Points) article must exhibit scope and significance of issue/subject and its impact on society as a whole.