According to a press release from the Network for the Defence of Independent Media in Africa (NDIMA), October 16 is the deadline for media organizations to submit published articles for the first index of underreported stories on political or private corruption.

NDIMA of Nairobi and the Institute for the Media, Policy and Civil Society (IMPACS) in Vancouver, which are undertaking this project, said in the release that the index aims to raise awareness of the need for independent and accountable media in the expansion and protection of democracy. By highlighting corruption stories they intend to underline the crucial role of the media as an institution of public scrutiny.

A corruption story would be one involving bribery or fraud or misuse of power for private or political gain. A story qualifies for consideration whether the degree of publicity is disproportionate to the degree of corruption; published or broadcast only in a local, regional, or small circulation medium; given prominent coverage once but no follow-up; or covered only or mainly in alternative, student or online media.

For subscription forms for the index of underreported stories on corruption contact Sam Mbure or Emily Nyanjugu at NDIMA, P.O. Box 70147, Nairobi, Kenya. Tel/Fax: (254-154) 51118 or 41403. E-mail: ndima@arcc.or.ke. Web site: http://www.oneworld.org/ndima/ Or contact the Institute for Media Policy and Civil Society, 910-207 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, BC, V6B 1H6, Canada. Tel: (604) 682-1953. Fax: (604) 683-8536. E-mail: karens@impacs.bc.ca. Completed forms and a copy of the article as it first appeared plus supporting documents should reach NDIMA or IMPACS no l ater than Friday, October 16.

IMPACS is non-profit organization committed to expanding and protecting democracy by helping civil society organizations to be heard clearly and effectively in public policy forums. Their goals are twofold: to encourage media freedom throughout the world; and to help civil society organizations in Canada develop their skills and strengths, particularly in communications.