The New Statesman has mailed all previous winners of its New Media Awards to say that nominations are now open for 2003. The logo on the right, sent by the organisers, shows this site is again up for an award.

In previous years this site has won one award outright and been commended twice for having "served the public interest in developing a democratically accountable civil society during the previous 12 months" and for "the use of new technology in empowering individuals locally".

In an e-mail to all previous winners inviting them to take part again, the publisher of the New Statesman, Spencer Neal, said that for 2003, the themes are "innovation and efficiency" and how new media technology is used to make a difference in public life.

On the left is a diagram showing how the form should be filled out.

A new monthly prize is being offered for the site judged to be the best from those nominated.

The 'civic society' category is described by the New Statesman as being for ...

"... the best use of ICT to improve civic society. From local democracy to public consultation, if new media has played a part in improving turnout, participation or otherwise countered social exclusion we want to hear about it. Local authorities, housing associations, community groups and large employers are all eligible. "

The New Statesman's winners page for 2002 shows the Brookmans Park Newsletter coming second behind www.friendsreunited.co.uk. This site didn't put in for the 2001 award but was mentioned in the page for winners in 2000 and the page for those commended in 1999.

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December 18, 2002