Outline
Full list of nominations
Final shortlist - 24th June
Award winners - 1st July
The judges
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New Media
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How to freshen up democracy
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Why geeks are heroes of democracy
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This week
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Cutting Tony down to size
The Blairite hegemony is over; there is a new ideological battle at the heart of Labour, with Clare Short in the thick of it. By John Kampfner
Leader:
Tell the good news on crime
Enter the Red Brigades, the new moral opposition
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Chardonnay, sex and the single basket
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The US twists arms in the Middle East
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more
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As one of the most influential weekly newspapers in British current affairs, the New Statesman has been quick to appreciate the potential of new media such as the Internet and the World Wide Web. Already the New Statesman uses new media technologies to gather information, communicate with our correspondents and readers and to promote our own activities.
We are not the only ones to believe the Internet could prove a tremendously powerful tool that will invigorate public debate, policy development and encourage accountability.
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You need only browse the Internet to discover just how exciting this revolution can be. The New Statesman is pleased to launch this annual competition as a means of fostering a wide-ranging debate that will seek out new ideas and reward excellence.
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The New Statesman wants to draw attention to the possibilities offered by new media such as the Internet as a tool that can help shape better government, foster social inclusion and enhance public life. This competition is intended to bring publicity to the best and most exciting websites, to draw attention to how the Internet can bring elected officials closer to the people they represent and reward those individuals who have succeeded in harnessing new media to the best effect. In addition the competition seeks to demonstrate the power of the Internet as a communication device that goes beyond facilitating debate and actually encourages civic participation.
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COMPETITION CATEGORIES
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THE MERIT AWARD
For this element, a prize will be awarded to the person whose original thought and work has served the public interest in developing a democratically accountable civil society during the previous 12 months. As with all of the prizes, the criteria will be defined by the judges in an open manner as part of the on-line discussion forum (see below). A prize will be offered. In addition to this, New Statesman will publish a profile of the winner and their work in the "award issue" of the magazine (June 1999).
ESSAY COMPETITION
No more than 2,000 words on the theme of "The People's Technology", submitted by e-mail only. More than one essay may be submitted and can be in any style including fiction. There will be a cash prize of £1,000 for the winner. The winning piece will be published in the "awards issue" of the New Statesman. Please note the New Statesman reserves the right to publish all submissions in any format including electronic at any time. On submission the author assigns all rights to the New Statesman.
NEW REPRESENTATIVE AWARD
Nominees should be elected individuals who have taken advantage of technology to improve their relationship with the public. Eligible individuals include MPs, MEPs and local councillors.
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NEW LOCAL DEMOCRACY AWARD
For organisations using technology to implement changes that empower individuals locally. Eligible bodies include local authorities and other local government agencies such as health trusts, police authorities, etc.
NEW PUBLIC POLICY AWARD
For organisations using new technology to inform citizens and to create an inclusive process of policy formation. Eligible bodies include government departments.
NEW ADVOCACY AWARD
For organisations that use new technology to enhance open debate and seek to change opinions and behaviour. Eligible sites include those run by pressure groups, lobbying firms, corporate public affairs departments and campaigning organisations.
NEW INFORMATION SERVICE AWARD
For organisations that offer the most effective means of widely communicating the information demanded by a functioning democratic society in the Information Age.
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The Adjudication An on-line debate will be held during the competition period (January to June 1999) on the topic of new media in a modern society. A part of the debate will explore the criteria used by the judges.
Individuals and organisations are invited to nominate eligible people and websites. All eligible nominations will be made public by including details of each nomination on the New Statesman website. Nominated sites will be discussed in the on-line forum. A moderator for this forum will be appointed from among the judges. This forum will administered by Poptel on behalf of the New Statesman.
Evaluation of entries The judges' decision will be final. All nominations will be made by readers and visitors to the New Statesman website. The judging criteria will be decided by the judges. The criteria will be presented on-line and subject to public scrutiny. However, the judges will certainly consider the quality of design, accessibility, ease of use and public profile. Similarly, a clear explanation of nominated sites' purpose, objectives and the means by which the public can offer feedback will be viewed favourably by the judges.
The Judges The New Statesman will appoint judges to work alongside those nominated by the sponsors. They will be chosen from the following categories:
academia
a nominee from each sponsor
two New Statesman nominees
Members of Parliament
a website designer
an ICT journalist a broadcaster
a proponent for open and accountable government
The Awards The awards will be made at a ceremony in June 1999 at a venue in central London. The results will be published in the New Statesman in the issue coinciding with the ceremony. A promotional campaign will support the competition and the award ceremony.
Administration: This competition was organised by Paul Evans of public-policy.net on behalf of the New Statesman. The New Statesman would like to thank Poptel for their kind assistance.
For further information, please contact Paul Evans: e-mail:paul.evans@public-policy.net or Spencer Neal: e-mail: etownhall@newstatesman.co.uk
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The back half
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'Pilgrim''s progress'
'Rage against the light'
'Southern discomforts'
'On the road again'
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more
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Book reviews
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The agonised self
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'Mutant pulp'
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'Trust no one'
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more
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