By Betsy Model, President
The 2011 Media for Liberty Award seeks to acknowledge and encourage media contributions that explore the relationship between economic and political liberty. The most outstanding entry, as selected by our distinguished panel of judges, published or transmitted in the preceding calendar year (between January 1 and December 31, 2010) will receive an award of $50,000.
Economists and political theorists have long debated the relationship between economic liberty (i.e., freedom of individuals to make economic choices in a free-market environment) and political liberty (i.e., freedom from government intervention and fostering of civil liberties). Prominent economists such as Milton Friedman, Friedrich Hayek and Ludwig von Mises, have argued that free economies are conducive to, or even an inseparable element of, political freedom.
The promotion of economic and political liberties requires continual examination by policy makers both in the United States and across the globe. But the media can play an equally vital role in promoting these freedoms through its treatment of and attention to issues of the day, and the societies, cultures and people who are either prospering or struggling in their pursuit of them. Journalism – from various viewpoints and in various format – that illustrates this correlation will become increasingly relevant as boundaries are lifted and these ideas applied globally.
Entries must have been published or transmitted via print or electronic media between January 1 and December 31, 2010. Eligible media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, journals, radio, television and websites, must be generally recognized in their markets and accessible to a broad audience in the United States. For a summary of the key parameters and contest rules, please view the Award Brochure (click here to access download page). Note that the brochure sets forth a brief overview of the rules. The Entry Form can be accessed in .pdf format (click here to access download), and must be affixed to your entry and received by Liberty Media Corporation no later than January 7, 2011 via mail. No e-mail entries will be accepted. For a detailed description of the required format of your entry, copyright considerations, eligibility requirements, how to enter, and other important information, please view the Official Contest Rules.
The Award, includes a $50,000 cash prize and a trip to an awards ceremony in Washington D.C. in the Spring of 2011. Details of the awards ceremony will be made available on this webpage by December 1, 2010. The winner will be announced in February, 2011. For details on how to reach us with any questions, how to receive hard copies of the Entry Form or Official Contest Rules by mail, and the full address for mailing in your entry, please see the Contact Information here.