Arthur Lovekin Prize in Journalism

The Arthur Lovekin Prize for Excellence in Journalism is an annual journalism award in Western Australia. The Prize was established with the University of Western Australia in 1928 by journalist, newspaper owner and politician, Arthur Lovekin, who endowed £100 to provide an annual prize for students taking the diploma course for Journalism. The annual prize, initially of £5/5/-, was given to the most successful student, providing there was a student of sufficient merit.[1] It has been awarded since 1929.

Since then the prize has been opened to all undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled at UWA and to members of the Western Australian branch of the Australian Journalists' Association 'Media' section of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance.[2] Currently, the winner receives $200 and a medal.[3] The Prize "…is awarded to the writer of the contribution which, in the opinion of the examiners, is the best contribution of the year by a Western Australian journalist published in an Australian newspaper or periodical produced, published or circulated in Western Australia."[3]

Each candidate for the prize can submit only one contribution for consideration. The year is from 1 July to 30 June, but a candidate may submit for consideration a continuing story concerning a connected series of events, provided that the story commences prior to 30 June and is completed not later than 15 July.[3]

The judges are the Discipline Chair of the Media and Communication discipline or nominee; a Professor of Media Communications, or nominee; and a representative of the Media Section of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance.[3]