The organising committee for the Sheikh Majid Youth Media Awards has announced the second annual awards aimed at promoting emerging media talent among youth.

Prize money for the awards add up to more than Dh1 million ($272,000), and the number of winners in the print, radio and video categories has been raised from three to five, while the winner in the category of best TV presenter will win a cash prize as well as a year-long contract with Arab Media Group’s (AMG) Noor Dubai Radio and Television.

AMG, the UAE’s largest media company, is the official media sponsor of the awards.

“As the country’s largest media company, it is our commitment to back initiatives that mobilize the participation of the entire community,” said Abdullatif Al Sayegh, CEO of AMG. “It also gives us an opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation of the support the community provides to our print, radio and television network.

“The Sheikh Majid Youth Media Awards is the ideal platform for AMG to stimulate the industry by creating opportunities for our young people to excel. In this regard, we are grateful to the vision of Dubai’s leadership, which seeks to lay a strong foundation for the media sector by drawing upon the skills of talented professionals in the country.”

Khadeeja Al Marzouqi, the head of organizing committee of the award, said: “In the long-term, the Sheikh Majid Youth Media Awards will serve to create a thriving media community, instil a greater self-confidence among young people and shape their future career decisions.”

The Sheikh Majid Youth Media Award will accept entries in the radio, video, print and special categories from February15 to March 22. Public voting for each segment of the competition will begin on March 26.-TradeArabia News Service