In what way do the media serve as the conscience of society?
What steps can the media take in achieving a world of lasting peace?

Step 1: Qualify.
Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate/graduate student (of any age) in an accredited college or university in the U.S. during the fall term of the 2006-2007 academic year. Employees or immediate relatives of any News World Communications, Inc. affiliates are exempt from entering.

Step 2: Submit On-line Entry Form by December 31, 2006.
The official entry form with complete guidelines: Click here.

Step 3: Write an Original Essay.
Complete an essay written in English consisting of 900 -1,000 words on the specified topic.

In considering your response, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the work of World Media Association by accessing the website which offers a vast selection of articles and proceedings from previous forums and conferences.
See Publications

Step 4: Meet the Deadline of January 10, 2007.
Your essay may be submitted either online using a Microsoft Word attachment or through the mail. Send online submissions to: media@wmassociation.com and indicate in the subject line, 2006 Essay Submission.

Essay Cover Page:
1. Title of essay.
2. Word count (including articles such as: a, and, the), not including footnotes.
3. Full name and address.
4. University and declared major.
5. E-mail and phone number.

For mailed essays:
Send two copies of your typed and double-spaced essay with a cover page to the address below.

AWARD Notification: March 10, 2007
First-place: $1,000. Second-place: $500. Third-place: $500.

The three award winners will receive their notification by mail or E-mail by March 10, 2007. The First-place winner will receive an expense-paid two days in Washington, DC, at which time the awardee will be a guest of honor at the “Media as the Conscience of Society” WMA Forum and will be asked to read the winning essay. This will take place sometime in April, 2007. The winner will have the opportunity to visit other media institutions in Washington, DC, and receive a tour of the city. The second and third-place winners will receive their award in the mail with a check made out to the student.

The winning essays will become the property of WMA and will be posted on the website.

WMA reserves the right not to give an award, due to unforeseen circumstances. In the case of cancellation, all essays will be returned and no further obligation on either party will be binding.

JUDGING:
The essays will be read by a panel of media professionals selected by WMA. Each essay will be reviewed and scored based on the following categories:

1. 30 points: Rational elucidation of the issue.
2. 30 points: Engaging style of writing.
3. 30 points: Expressing a convincing argument.
4. 10 points: Resource documentation.

Email, media@wmassociation.com or call, 202-636-3124 with any questions.

Mailing address: World Media Association, Essay Contest, 3600 New York Ave. NE, Washington, DC, 20002.