The ABU is calling producers of ABU member broadcasters to participate in the ABU-MAE Project Awards programme. The programme aims to provide small awards of US$1,000 to help underwrite the production of local TV and radio programming on HIV/AIDS. Producers are encouraged to submit HIV-themed news feature items, public service announcements and/or longer format programming for consideration.

The Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) and the Global Media AIDS Initiative (GMAI) have the pleasure to invite producers of ABU broadcasting companies to participate in the ABU-MAE Project Awards Programme.

BACKGROUND

The ABU-MAE Project Awards Programme aims to provide small awards of USD1,000 to help motivate and underwrite the development and production of local television and radio programming on HIV/AIDS and related issues in Asia-Pacific. ABU member broadcasters are encouraged to submit a HIV-themed news feature item, public service announcement and/or longer format programming for consideration under the Awards Programme.

All ABU-MAE Project Awards funds will be allocated directly to broadcasters for production of HIV-themed content. Funding awards will be contingent on the broadcaster's willingness to provide final content rights-free to other ABU member broadcasters via ABU-MAE monthly satellite distribution.

An award certificate will be presented to the best contribution to further promote the production of television and radio programmes on HIV/AIDS in the region.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for an ABU-MAE Project Award, an applicant must:
- Represent an ABU member broadcasting organisation and have the full support of the company's chief executive;
- Propose programming that addresses the issue of HIV/AIDS in its themes;
- Integrate information or referral services from local institutions (i.e. Health Ministry, National AIDS Committee) and/or relevant non-governmental organisation; and
- Propose a programming idea that can be executed within a budget provided by the broadcaster plus the amount requested through the ABU-MAE Project Awards Programme.

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Broadcasters wishing to apply for an ABU-MAE Project Awards must submit a formal application and written proposal by 9 May 2008 for consideration.

The written proposal should detail the following:
- Overview of the project and its goals, including background information on the broadcast platform(s) that will be airing the final content;
- Description of how the ABU-MAE Project Awards will allow the broadcaster to cover this topic beyond normal reporting;
- Description of previous reporting or programming on HIV/AIDS that has been developed and aired by the broadcaster;
- A realistic production timeline with a committed air date;
- Include a signed release form, allowing rights-free distribution of any content produced with Awards funding on ABU-Media Awareness Exchange (ABU-MAE).

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION FORM at www.abu.org.my/public/documents/ABU-MAE%20Project%20Awards%20-%20FORM.doc

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION GUIDELINES at www.abu.org.my/public/documents/ABU-MAE%20Project%20Awards%20-%20Guidelines1.doc

PROJECT IDEAS

Develop your own ideas based on your local needs and resources. View already-produced HIV/AIDS programming at www.abu.org.my/mae/health or consider some of the ideas below. Keep in mind that one of the most important criteria is whether the resulting programming can be used by other ABU member broadcasters in their own markets.
- News feature items with HIV/AIDS content and themes
- Documentaries and other programming involving People Living with HIV/AIDS or public figures
- Public service announcement on HIV/AIDS protection, education, prevention, testing themes involving participation from local celebrities or public figures.

SELECTION PROCESS & AWARDS DISTRIBUTION

Completed applications are due on 9 May 2008. The ABU will convene an independent, international panel to review and assess applications according to a standard set of criteria, including:
- Strength and innovation of proposed programming concept;
- Appropriateness of messaging;
- Intended distribution and audience reach;
- Integration and participation of local institutions (i.e. Health Ministry, National AIDS Committee, and relevant non-governmental organisations);
- Financial need of the broadcaster.

Award recipients will receive 50 percent of their funding request at the time of announcement. The balance of each Project Award will be delivered upon completion of the production. Broadcasters will be required to include relevant wire transfer fees in the line item budget submitted along with the Award application.

Award recipients shall provide ABU the completed production in Beta SP/Digi Beta format and shall bear all costs relating to the shipment of the completed production to ABU. Completed production and its English script shall be sent to the address below no later than 30 September 2008:

Lisa Mohamad
Development Projects Officer
Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union
2nd Floor New IPTAR Building
Angkasapuri, Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA

Any queries please contact Lisa Mohamad at +603 22823592 or email at lisa@abu.org.my.