England Expects notes that Parliament is creating a five thousand euro prize for journalism. Here’s the blurb from the special website set up to publicise it:
“The first European Parliament Prize for Journalism will be awarded in 2008. It will be given to journalists who have dealt with major issues at a European level or have promoted a better understanding of the EU institutions and/or EU policies.”
I can just imagine the awards ceremony. President Pottering, in bow tie and clean shirt, takes to the stage at the glittering event. The chatter of assembled sycophants slowly dies down. Pottering clears his throat significantly.
“Ladies and Gentlemen”, he says. “For his courageous work in exposing the racket of MEP’s expenses, and for his remarkable articles promoting a better understanding of the massive fraud in the EU’s regional policy, I am delighted to award the first European Parliament Prize for Journalism to Serge Dupont”.
Considering the jury will include three MEPs, the chances that the prize-winning journalism will do anything to undermine Parliament’s gravy train are slim. The prize is clearly an attempt to bring the media a step closer to being under the control of the EU.