TV producers and broadcasters around the world are once again invited to submit entries for the World Television Award on science and environment.

The Award is jointly administered by the Asia Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) and the United Nations Environment Programme’s, Division of Technology, Industry and Economics (UNEP-DTIE) OzonAction Programme.

The 2012 World TV Award is open to all kinds of broadcasters in Africa, Asia, Europe, North & South America and the Pacific. Entries may be submitted by public and private sector broadcasters, as well as by freelance producers.

This year’s theme for the Science/Environment Category is "Preserving Ozone Layer and Protecting the Earth". It highlights the urgent need to phase out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) like HCFCs in the foam, air-conditioning and refrigeration industry because of their negative impact on the ozone layer and significant contribution to climate change.

TV programmes of any format or genre can be entered – including news reports, documentary, infotainment programmes as long as they are related to the topic. While there is no minimum duration, the maximum length should be 30 minutes.

The winner – chose by a regional panel of judges -- will receive US$ 5,000 in cash, a trophy and a certificate presented by AIBD. Winners will be announced and honoured during the Asia Media Summit 2012 to held in Bangkok, Thailand, on 29 - 30 May 2012.

AMS, organized annually by AIBD and partners, is the region’s leading gathering of more than 700 top-ranking media professionals and managers.

The deadline for programme submission has been extended to 1 May 2012. Interested broadcasters may download the criteria, entry form and briefing material from the AIBD website.

More information is available at: http://www.aibd.org.my/worldtv

The World TV Award was initially designed by the Asia-Pacific Europe Partnership Committee and established in 2004 with the recommendation of the AIBD on two main themes "Religious understanding" and "Conflict resolution". The award scheme was expanded in 2011 with the new science and environment award.

Photos courtesy: AIBD, UNEP