This year the International Media Council Awards of the Next Century Foundation were presented at a ceremony on Thursday the 9th of March 2006. The Main Prize is awarded for an outstanding contribution to better understanding both in and towards the Middle East. The Cutting Edge Prize is awarded to an upcoming journalist in the same field.

The following were the winners in each of the categories:

The Main International Media Council Prize:

Mr Jihad al Khazen, Editor at Large, Al Hayat Newspaper, for his significant contributions to informed and enlightened debate in the Arab media throughout a long and distinguished career.

Mr Danny Levi Rubinstein, Haaretz Newspaper, in recognition of his passionate engagement with Arab issues, and uncompromising editorial contributions.

Mr Peter David, Foreign Editor, The Economist, in recognition of the consistently original, well-sourced, informative Middle East coverage of the Economist.

Ms Caroline Hawley, BBC Television, in recognition of her sober, balanced and informative reporting from Iraq, and her sensitivity to local culture and concerns.

Mr Salah Ali Sindi, Editor In Chief, Istithmar Al Arabia Magazine, in recognition of the consistently progressive and enlightened editorial policy of his increasingly influential publication.

The Cutting Edge Prize for an outstanding Journalist:

In addition to the main prizes, awards were given to up-and-coming journalists as investment in the future of quality reporting on the Middle East. The prize-winners of the Cutting Edge Awards presented for distinguished contribution to the coverage and consideration of developments concerning the Middle East were:

Mr Mohamed Chebaro, Al Arabieh

Mr Yoav Stern, Columnist on Palestinian Affairs, Haaretz Newspaper

Mr Martin Asser, BBC News Website Correspondent

Ms Mona Eltahawy, Freelance journalist, Sharq al Awsat columnist

Ms Jane Kinninmont, Middle East Editor, Business Monitor International

The present Chairman is William Morris (Next Century Foundation). Patrons are Mrs Dalia Salaam Rishani of Hood Hood Books; The Lord Stone of Blackheath; Mr Felix Posen of The Posen Foundation; Mr Ribal Al Assad of ANN Satellite TV; Mr John Porter of the Porter Foundation.