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The Society of Publishers in Asia 2011 Awards for Editorial Excellence continue to light the path for the industry’s best practices

 

Hong Kong, May 18, 2011 - The Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA), an organization dedicated to best practices in professional publishing, has announced that this year’s annual SOPA Awards for Editorial Excellence attracted an astounding number of entries region-wide that saw 480 nominated works from all over the Asia-Pacific region, including a significant increase of entries from Malaysia, Cambodia and Taiwan.

 

Along with 28 new publications that have entered for the first time this year, the entries for the 2011 Awards show that this important industry accolade continues to set the bar for journalism in the region. Indeed, as David E. Smith, SOPA’s newly elected Chairman, says, “As the industry continues to move into a new and exciting era in the way journalism is published, SOPA continues to perform its duties in preserving the ethical code and professionalism of modern journalism. As evidenced by the entries this year, we are proud that the SOPA Awards for Editorial Excellence continues to be a beacon for best practices in our industry.”

 

The prize presentation dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, June 8, 2011, at the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong. Now in its 13th year, the Awards have always attracted numerous, reputable guest speakers, and this year, SOPA is excited to announce the appearance of a leading media lawyer in the UK, Mr. Mark Stephens, as the special keynote speaker for 2011.

 

Mr. Stephens is currently one of the lawyers for Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks, and through his experience, has created a niche in international comparative media law and regulation.  His expertise also covers Human Rights, Judicial Review, Complex Commercial Litigation and Intellectual Property law.  Mr. Stephens has been described by the ‘Law Society Gazette’ as, ‘the patron solicitor of previously lost causes’. 

 

His latest case defending Julian Assange puts him in the front lines of a debate over freedom of speech that’s deeply relevant to the mission of the SOPA Awards. “The SOPA Awards honors the best journalism in Asia, often produced under trying conditions where freedom of speech can’t be taken for granted,” said Peter Stein, Chairman of the SOPA Editorial Awards Subcommittee. “They have become a benchmark for the profession and demonstrate how the region’s top journalists continue to expand the range of ways in which they inform, educate and engage their readers.”

 

The Awards cover 15 categories that reflect Asia-Pacific's vibrant editorial scene. Nominations are from English- or Chinese-language regional, local print or digital publications and wire services.

 

The entries are appraised by 98 high-caliber judges worldwide under the stewardship of Head Judge Doreen Weisenhaus, the University of Hong Kong’s Director of Media Law Project & Associate Professor, who ensures that the judging process has been conducted with the highest standards of journalistic integrity. The judges panel

comprise journalists, designers and photo editors from leading publications, as well as notable academics from the media departments of prestigious universities.                                                                                                                                    

 

Tables are available now and to reserve your seat for the Awards for Editorial Excellence at JW Marriott Hotel Ballroom on June 8, 2011, please contact Monique Kwok at Tel: +852 2807 1272 / Email: [email protected] or visit www.sopasia.com/awards/2011/galadinner.asp

 

About SOPA

The Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) is a 29-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 in newspapers, magazines and 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 2011 Awards for Editorial Excellence” website at www.sopasia.com/awards/2011/

 

Issued on behalf of The Society of Publishers in Asia by Lee Wolter Co. Ltd.

 

For further information, please contact:

SOPA Secretariat

Tel: +852 2807 1272

Email: [email protected]

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