(NDIMA/IFEX) – NDIMA and the Institute for Media, Policy and Civil Society (IMPACS) of Canada invite media houses to submit published articles for the first index of under-reported stories on corruption. A corruption story would be one involving bribery or fraud or misuse of power for private or political gain. The following criteria will be […]
(NDIMA/IFEX) – NDIMA and the Institute for Media, Policy and Civil Society
(IMPACS) of Canada invite media houses to submit published articles for the
first index of under-reported stories on corruption. A corruption story
would be one involving bribery or fraud or misuse of power for private or
political gain.
The following criteria will be used to determine whether a story qualifies
for consideration:
(i) Degree of publicity is disproportionate to degree of corruption (eg.
huge sums of money and involvement of high profile politicians, bureaucrats
or businessmen).
(ii) Published or broadcast only in a local regional, or small circulation
medium.
(iii) Given prominent coverage once, but no follow-up.
(iv) Covered only or mainly in alternative, student or on-line media.
The purpose of the index is to raise awareness about the necessity of
independent and accountable media in the expansion and protection of
democracy. By highlighting the stories of corruption that have been
under-reported, we intend to underline the crucial role of the media as an
institution of public scrutiny.
IMPACS is non-profit organisation committed to the expansion and protection
of democracy by helping civil society organisations exert their voices
clearly and effectively in the forums of public policy. Their goals are
twofold: to encourage media freedom throughout the world and to assist civil
society organisations in Canada to develop their skills and strengths,
particularly in the field of communications.
NDIMA is a pan-African freedom of expression/human rights NGO striving to
create a freer atmosphere in which independent and alternative media can
operate.
Completed forms (samples attached) and a copy of the article as it first
appeared plus other supporting documents should reach NDIMA or IMPACS not
later than Friday, 16 October 1998.
Index of Under-reported Stories on Corruption
IMPACS
Nomination Submission Form
Please use this form as a guide and supply your answers in the space
provided. While we understand that not every question will be applicable to
every story, please supply as much detail as you can, as this will help our
selection panel. If possible, please supply a copy of the story as it first
appeared.
Your name:
Your Organisation:
Address:
Phone:
Fax:
E-mail:
1. Date of story’s first appearance:
2. Geographic region(s) in which story (mainly) occurs:
3. Story summary (please provide relevant facts in one paragraph):
4. Journalist(s) who broke the story (Please provide name and contact
information including e-mail, if available):
5. What publications or means have carried the story? (please give
dates):
6. Size or publication(s) (broadcast range or circulation):
7. Were specific individuals or organisations accused of corrupt
practices in the story? If so, name
8. How has this story been ignored or under-reported? (Give chronology
if possible)
9. Why does this story deserve broader coverage than it received?
10. What consequences has the wrier experienced as a result of breaking
the story?
11. What consequences has the publisher, broadcaster or producer
experienced?
12. Change, if any, prompted by story.
13. Were specific sums of money diverted due to the corruption? If so,
give details.
14. How can we follow-up or verify the facts of this story?
