Competition Information:

The competition for journalists is a part of the Project to improve corporate social responsibility coverage in Kazakhstan. The project seeks to increase the interest and incentives for journalists to improve the quality of CSR coverage in Kazakhstani mass media. The idea for this project originated with the growing interest in CSR within the government in Kazakhstan. Additionally, members of the working group on CSR at the American Chamber of Commerce, wanted to increase understanding and knowledge of CSR, especially among journalists. This project was previously carried out by the members of the CSR working group. Beginning in 2008, the Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia, with financial support from ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Inc. and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, independently administered the project for improving coverage of CSR in Kazakhstan.

Journalists will apply using materials that relate to CSR, such as labor law and workers’ rights, environmental protection, the role of public interest in company policy, rights of interested parties (i.e. investors, consumers, suppliers, etc.), openness and transparency, social projects, corporate philanthropy, and any other topics that relate to CSR.

Nominees:

Three journalists will be named as equal winners in the Competition for Journalists Covering Issues of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Organizers:

The Eurasia Foundation of Central Asia and the American Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan, with financial support from ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Inc. and PriceWaterhouseCoopers

Commission Structure and Selection Criteria:

Decisions will be made by a committee of journalism experts and CSR experts. Previous members of the expert committee include Oleg Katsiev, Tulegen Askarov, Bakhytzhan Zhumalieva, Vyacheslav Abramov, among others. Materials will be judged based on the following criteria:

1. Use of various sources for writing - 20%
2. Analytical approach and use of statistics - 20%
3. Significance of events/regional themes - 20%
4. The author’s level of understanding of CSR- 20%
5. The quality of presentation materials (preparation and presentation) - 20%

Terms and Conditions of Competition:

Representatives of electronic and written media, students of journalism at universities in Kazakhstan, members of journalism associations and clubs, consultants, published authors of articles or other materials concerning CSR in the media in Kazakhstan are encouraged to apply. Materials must be from January to December 2010, and will be accepted in either Kazakh or Russian.

To apply: Fill out the application form and attach a copy of materials covering CSR issues (newspaper clippings, text from a website with a link, electronic media with video or audio). Three winners will have the opportunity to participate in a study-tour in Moscow, where they will meet with members of the media and companies that actively apply CSR principles in their work.

Previous Winners:

In 2009, the following winners were selected:

• Kazanbasov Kurmanbek, for his report “Кеніштегі кеншілер қызметі” (Correspondent JSC ‘Khabar,’ Almaty). Kurmanbek was chosen for his understanding of CSR concepts, high quality of photographs and presentation, and significance of issues to the region.
• Imanalieva Madina, for her article “The journey to enlightened self-interest” (correspondent work for “Focus” newspaper, Astana). Madina was chosen based on her coverage of issues of national importance, her high level of understanding of CSR concepts, as well as her analytical approach and use of statistics.
• Tleukenov Arman, for his report on “Social Responsibility of National Petroleum Companies.” (Correspondent JSC “RTRK” "Kazakhstan ", Astana). Arman was chosen for his excellent presentation of materials, quality of lighting, and quality reporting on an example depicting responsible relations between employers and employees of the company.

Contacts:

Address: 050010, Almaty City, 10 Kurmangalieva Street
Telephone/fax: 8 (727) 250-18-10
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. '; document.write(''); document.write(addy_text71404); document.write('<\/a>'); //-->\n This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.ef-ca.org
Contact person: Gaukhar Kozhasheva, project manager, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.