Business Software Alliance opens nominations for 2009 Pan Arab IPR Media Awards

The Pan Arab IPR Media Awards is a pioneering initiative established by the BSA to recognise media's role in promoting a safe and legal digital society throughout the Arab World. The competition will accept articles on software piracy and IPR in the Middle East printed or broadcast within the submission period. It is open to all media channels, including broadcast (TV and radio), print (magazines and newspapers), and electronic (web portals). A select panel will evaluate entries and notify winners through email or telephone before February 2010.

"The economic and social threats of software piracy and IPR violations in general have risen since the emergence of the global financial crisis. Even established companies are now tempted to acquire illegal software to cut down costs. The media are important partners for us to combat piracy, and the IPR awards are our way of thanking them for their crucial support,"

said Jawad Al Redha, BSA Co-Chairman in the Gulf Region.

The contest categories include 'Best Opinion Piece,' 'Best Investigative Piece,' 'Best News Article,' 'Best Feature Article,' and 'Best Interview,' with each to have a winner and a runner up. Under the rules, print media participants should have published at least 10 of their articles, broadcast candidates aired at least five of their programs, and electronic contestants uploaded at least 15 of their articles. The article entry itself should have been published in the media. Up to three people can submit their work under the broadcast group.