The 2009 UN World Press Freedom Day Student Journalism Competition has been announced, and you lot from the University of Sunderland Journalism and PR department are encouraged to enter. The joint organisers of the Day in the UK – the UK National Commission for UNESCO and the Press Freedom Network – are inviting entries on the topic:

“Is the Western media impeding press freedom in those countries that need it most?”

Entries can be either articles (up to 1,000 words) or an audio package (up to 3 minutes in length). The winner will receive a £500 cash prize and be presented with the award at the 2009 World Press Freedom Day debate in London.

The closing date for entries is 6 March 2009 at 5pm.

For further details and entry guidelines you can visit the UNESCO website.

If you have any queries email pressfreedom@unesco.org.uk or call 0207 766 3492.