Magazine, Website and Social Media Competition

The Central Communications Board today launches the Magazine, Website and Social Media Competition and invites entries within each category (details below). Quality of design and layout, strength of editorial content and outreach potential are once again to be the standards of excellence against which entries will be judged. The closing date is Friday 8 April 2011. Winners will be announced at the General Synod in Armagh, 12-14 May 2011.

Some winning New Media entrants from 2011

Central Communications Board Chairman, The Rt Revd Trevor Williams, Bishop of Limerick, says:

'Parish and Diocesan magazines have been around for a very long time. Through the exchange of news and views they stitch our communities together and strengthen our relationships. Printed media continue to play a vital role within the Church of Ireland community.

'The newer media have opened new horizons for us. Facebook pages and Twitter accounts have been added to Church Websites in allowing the wider community to observe as never before, the life of Church of Ireland members, Parishes and Dioceses. A potentially huge audience can now discover our priorities and concerns. These new tools are now available to assist us not only in the Church's ministry but also in our mission in the wider world.

'Within the Church of Ireland there are excellent examples of how various forms of communication are being used to build Christian community and communicate the Good News. This competition is our chance to learn what others are doing, and to join in. I am looking forward to seeing your entry.'

Some winning Magazines from 2011

In the Magazine section entries are invited in three print media categories:

• Diocesan Magazines
• Parish Magazine/Newsletter
• Church of Ireland affiliated organisation Magazine/Newsletter

In the Website section entries are invited in three categories:

• Diocesan Website
• Parish Website
• Church of Ireland affiliated organisation Website

In the Social Media section:

• Most innovative use of Interactive Communication Technologies (ICT) or 'social media' over and beyond standard websites, e.g.: blogs, podcasts or social networking or content-sharing websites

Entries are welcome from any committee or group associated with the Church of Ireland.

Please obtain an entry form from the Church of Ireland Press Office (by email: press@ireland.anglican.org or phone: from NI 028 9082 8880, from RoI 048 9082 8880) and send entries as follows:

Magazines and newsletters - one recent copy - to Jenny Compston, Press Office, Church of Ireland House, 61-67 Donegall St, Belfast, BT 1 2QH, Northern Ireland.

Websites, please supply an e-mail containing the URL to:  press@ireland.anglican.org

Social Media, please send an example or link including a description of  the technology, how applied and the objective of the initiative to Jenny Compston, Press Office, Church of Ireland House, 61-67 Donegall St, Belfast, BT 1 2QH, Northern Ireland or to press@ireland.anglican.org.

Remember: the closing date for entries is Friday 8 April 2011

Further information from:
Church of Ireland Press Office
Church of Ireland House
61-67 Donegall Street
Belfast BT1 2QH

Tel: (028) 9082 8880
Fax (028) 9032 3554
Press Officer: Paul Harron (duty phone) +44 (0) 7787 881582

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