Press Release

Earth Journalism Awards

Internews and MTV Launch MTV Positive Change Award for Youth

(June 22, 2009)  Internews and MTV announce the launch of the MTV Positive Change Award on creative multimedia coverage of climate change.

Any young person between the ages of 18 and 28, who is passionate about climate change, is invited to apply to a special category of the Earth Journalism Awards specifically designed by MTV and Internews for young creatives.

The winner of the MTV Positive Change Award will be honored at a high-profile awards ceremony at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen this December and will be supported by a production team from Internews to cover the pivotal negotiations for youth audiences around the world.

“Transforming our lifestyles in order to reduce the threat of climate change requires a combination of vision, commitment and innovation,’’ says Paul Smith, Regional Creative Director, Europe, Africa & Middle East Ogilvy and Mather.“ The MTV Positive Change Award is an opportunity for youth around the world to display these qualities through a creative competition that Ogilvy and the advertising community will be following closely.”

Since the announcement of the Earth Journalism Awards at the G8 Environment Ministers Meeting in Italy on Earth Day, April 22nd, journalists and bloggers from over 115 countries have signed up for the opportunity to be at the UN Climate Summit in Copenhagen. The MTV Positive Change Award gives one highly creative young adult a chance to have their work showcased on the eve of the final negotiations.

"This new award offers an opportunity to young creatives, whether they are based in Sao Paulo, New York, Shanghai or Tehran, to engage in communication on an issue of crucial importance to their generation,’’ says Agathe Dalisson, the Director of the Earth Journalism Awards, ”for they will all inherit the decisions made at Copenhagen. Internews applauds companies like MTV which are investing in creative initiatives like this to help their consumers understand and respond to the challenge of climate change.“

More information on the award:

Press Contacts:

Europe and International: 
Mark Harvey, Internews Europe
+44 7703 180 524

USA:
John Jackson, MTV Networks International, + 1 212 846 6994<

John Boit, Internews Network, + 1 202 468-9413

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