1. BACKGROUND AND COMPETITION OVERVIEW
Since 2017, the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) has organized a data storytelling competition inviting Rwandan journalists to submit their data-driven stories for recognition. This initiative seeks to recognize outstanding work in data journalism in Rwanda, promoting excellence and creativity in the use of statistics to inform the public, especially in this era of data-driven decision-making.
The RDJA competition aims to encourage journalistic storytelling that incorporates statistical analysis, interpretation, and visualization to simplify complex and sensitive information. The competition comprises three categories: Radio, Online/Print, and TV, awarding exemplary data-driven stories with a positive impact on society. Stories based on official statistics and data-driven insights are eligible for submission.
2. AWARD CATEGORIES:
- Category One: Excellence in Online/Print Data Story
Description: Recognizes the best interactive or static visualization effectively combining storytelling with a journalistic purpose and significant data use in online or print media.
- First Prize: Certificate, award, and Premier laptop
- Second Prize: Certificate, award, and Distinguished laptop
- Category Two: Excellence in Radio Data Story
Description: Recognizes the best data-driven journalism in radio news stories.
- First Prize: Certificate, award, and premier laptop
- Second Prize: Certificate, award, and distinguished laptop
- Category Three: Excellence in TV Data Story
Description: Recognizes the best data-driven journalism in TV news stories or programs.
- First Prize: Certificate, award, and premier laptop
- Second Prize: Certificate, award, and distinguished laptop
3. RDJA 2024 ELIGIBILITY
Submissions are welcome from online/print and broadcast journalists and bloggers.
- Entries must have been published or aired in English, Kinyarwanda, or French between November 1, 2023, and November 1, 2024.
- Individual journalists and freelancers from accredited media houses, media companies, non-profits, or independent freelancers are eligible to enter.
- Contestants may submit one story per category (Radio, Online/Print, TV).
- Entries produced in collaboration with government agencies, businesses, or organizations with a stake (financial or other nature) in the subject matter are not eligible. Projects created for branding or promotional purposes are excluded.
- Applicants must be Rwandan citizens or permanent residents and hold a valid media card.
- RDJA administrators retain the authority to determine entry eligibility.
4. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Submissions in all categories will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Clarity and Comprehension: The data should communicate its message effectively, using accurate representation, visual appeal, creativity, originality, and distinct visualization techniques.
2. Human-Centric Focus: Emphasize the connection between data and human lives, prioritizing public well-being with a balanced approach to subjectivity and objectivity.
3. Measurable Impact: Aim to improve public understanding of data and enhance statistical literacy among Rwandans, with accessible analysis and clear explanations of statistical concepts.
4. Content Quality and Diversity: Consider the content's clarity, accuracy, and variety of topics covered.
5. Data Reference: All data used should clearly indicate the year and source.
5. ENTRY INFORMATION
Entries must be published or broadcast on any media platform, including online, in print, on radio, or on television, between November 1, 2023, and November 1, 2024.
Moreover, all data used should be from NISR publications.
Each entry must include a submission form with:
- A description of the entry (up to 100 words)
- A brief biography of the writer(s) (up to 100 words)
- For online entries: A PDF screenshot showing the story in its original format, with a link to the published piece.
- For print media entries: Entries should be submitted in scanned PDF document showing details including the Newspaper/magazine, title of the story, date of publication.
- Contestant who submits video and audio items must provide links where their entries can be accessed by judges.
6. SUBMISSION PROCEDURES AND DEADLINES
Submission Fee: None
Submission Deadline: November 22, 2024, at 23:59 GMT. All entries must be submitted via links or URLs using an online submission form, available on the NISR website.
The due date for submission has expired!
WINNERS ANNOUNCEMENT: Winners in all three categories (Online, Radio, and TV) will be announced and awarded in December 2024 at the celebration of the African Statistics Day (ASD).