Hong Kong, 14 May 2009 – The SOPA 2009 Awards for Editorial Excellence organized by the Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) has received nominations from a broader geographic mix this year including Australia, Cambodia and Thailand – all of which submitted entries for the first time. This reflects the high standing that the awards have across the region underpinned by SOPA's commitment in raising journalistic standards.

The awards will be presented on 11 June at a prize presentation dinner at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. Keynote speaker at the event will be Mr. Jimmy Lai, Chairman of Next Media Ltd.

A total of 547 entries are vying for awards in 17 categories including a new category in digital journalism. The awards are grouped under A (English language regional publications), B (English language local publications) and C (Chinese language publications).

The SOPA Awards for Editorial Excellence were established in 1999 as a tribute to editorial excellence in Asia. Key to the awards success is the high calibre of international judges who preside over the entries. These comprise journalists, designers and photo editors from many of the region's leading newspapers and magazines, as well as notable academics from the media departments of prestigious universities.

"The broad array of entries from across the region shows the determination by many journalists to secure an award and gain international recognition for themselves and their publications," said Mr. Kevin Brown, Chairman of the Editorial Awards Subcommittee.

It is noteworthy that entries were received for the first time from English language publications on the mainland. Last month a new English language daily newspaper, the Global Times, was launched giving China its second national English language daily. The new newspaper is seen by some as reflecting China's new "soft power" drive to build its global reputation.

"A key initiative for SOPA this year has been to build more rapport with publishers in China. The responses from awards entrants in China are indeed encouraging and highlight our success in getting the word out," said Mr. Terence Tung, SOPA Chairman.

Judging was conducted under the leadership of Professor Rusty Todd, the head of judges, who ensures that the judging process has been conducted with the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Professor Todd is Director of Business Journalism at the University of Hong Kong.

The SOPA Awards are supported by a number of international media organizations including the International Federation of the Periodical Press (FIPP), IFRA, the World Editors Forum (WEF) and the editorial division of the World Association of Newspapers (WAN).


About SOPA

The Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) is a 27-year old regional body incorporated in Hong Kong in 1982, dedicated to promoting best industry practices and facilitating a conducive environment for professional publishing. It represents the interests of international, regional and local publishers of newspapers, magazines and digital/new media in Asia, with a view to fostering better cooperation and understanding among members.

SOPA is a non-profit organization. It is committed to responsible journalism and works to establish standards and guidelines for publishers relating to issues such as quality control, professional development, circulation, advertising and new media. It runs the prestigious annual SOPA Awards for Editorial Excellence to set world-class benchmarks for journalism in Asia. For more information, visit SOPA's official website at www.sopasia.com

Or visit the SOPA Awards for Editorial Excellence website at www.sopasia.com/awards/2009