To encourage more youth participation in media throughout the year, the award judges will not only consider the quality of the work, but also will consider the commitment broadcasters make to engaging with youth on an ongoing basis, adds the release.

"Children have the right to voice their opinions and broadcasters around the world are making that happen by getting youth voices on the air - not only during one day in December but throughout the year," said chief of Unicef's internet, broadcast and image section Stephen Cassidy. "We want to reward them for their dedication and commitment."
International Academy chairman Fred Cohen said, "We are immensely proud of our 16 year relationship with Unicef through the ICDB Award. Not only does this special award recognize the finest contributions in children's programming, but it serves as a beacon to furthering broadcasters' commitment in helping improve children's lives throughout the world."

Five years ago, youth around the world met in New York to attend the Special Session for Children. The outcome of that meeting was the agenda "Building a World Fit for Children," which laid out four main priorities: Promoting healthy lives; Providing quality education; Protecting children against abuse, exploitation and violence; and Combating HIV/Aids.

For the third year, the ICDB Award judging will take place in eight regions with broadcasters eligible for prizes. The top-scoring television entry in each region will compete for the ICDB Award, to be presented at the International Emmy Awards Gala, 19 November 2007 in New York. The top-scoring radio entry will become a finalist for the ICDB Award for Radio Excellence, to be presented at the ICDB Awards Breakfast in New York. Participating broadcasters will be eligible to submit entries for the 2008 ICDB Award.