Journalists come together for Peace Awards in House of Lords

Wednesday 20th April 2005

Journalists and editors from the Arab World, Israel, and the UK, were given a special prize at the House of Lords last night (19 April) for producing consistently balanced reporting on the highly emotive and polarised Arab Israeli conflict. The presentation of the awards was unusual in itself in that it brought together journalists from all sides of this much-troubled region. Those recognised were:

• Mr Richard Beeston, Diplomatic Editor of the Times. In recognition of his high standards of reporting and the quality of his news analysis, which of itself promotes understanding.
• Mr Ari Rath, former Editor and Managing Director of the Jerusalem Post; currently News Editor of Partners for Peace, the voice of the Copenhagen Group. His award is in recognition of a lifetime of achievement and tireless work for rapprochement and peace.
• Mr Abdul Rahman al Rashed, Head of Al Arabia Satellite News TV, Dubai and former Editor-in-Chief of Al Sharq al Awsat Newspaper. His award was in recognition of his efforts to maintain the highest standards of professional integrity in countering incitement and disinformation.

They were each presented with an olive tree at the award ceremony held in the House of Lords.

The award has been launched by the International Media Council, a body set up by the Next Century Foundation, an NGO which works in support of peace initiatives in the Middle East. The award is in recognition of the vital role that the media can play in contributing to understanding, without which no peace process is possible. The Next Century Foundation intends to honour editors and journalists in this way annually. William Morris, Secretary General of the Next Century Foundation explained: "By publicly recognising the efforts of these editors and journalists, some of whom have put their careers and even their lives at risk through their commitment to reporting truthfully and responsibly, we hope to help raise the standards of journalism in reporting on the Arab Israeli conflict"

The ceremony was attended by senior figures in the Arab, Israeli and British media as well as diplomats.

The International Media Council and Peace Through Media: The International Media Council is committed to promoting, "peace through media". Though it recognises that the business of publishers is to sell newspapers, it believes that the media has an ethical responsibility for encouraging harmony in today's Middle East. Convinced that the honesty or dishonesty in the media affects the mental health of the world, the Council believes that freedom of expression has a price. This price is continual vigilance - in particular vigilance in identifying and exposing the encouragement of malice or war, and the incitement of hatred in print and image.