London, July 2002: If you want to break into the world of music journalism and follow in the footsteps of James Brown and Steve Lamacq, then you'd be well advised to enter the inaugural Amazon.co.uk Student Music Journalism Award.

From nu-metal fans to pop addicts, jazz junkies to classical buffs, student journalists who enjoy writing about their passion could soon be rewarded for their dedication. Whether writing for a local magazine or student publication, all reviews, interviews and features could soon earn the attention of some of the UK's top music critics.

Students will get their work seen by some of the UK's most prominent journalists, such as Stuart Maconie and Paul Lester, and the awards are officially supported by the NUJ. The Amazon.co.uk Student Music Journalist of the Year will win £300 worth of Amazon.co.uk gift certificates and a commission for an article to be published on site.

Miranda Sawyer, chair of judges, said:

• Many of the music industry's most renowned journalists started out writing for their student publications. As such they provide a vitally important role so it's about time that they got the recognition that they deserve. I am glad to be involved in an awards scheme that highlights the talents of the next generation.

The Amazon.co.uk Music Journalism Awards 2002 are open to all national and regional press, magazines and Web sites. The Amazon.co.uk Student Music Journalism Award is a dedicated category showcasing music writing in student publications.

Amazon.co.uk believe there is a whole world of great music writing happening in student media and has set up this award to help new talent receive the exposure they deserve.

Students can enter reviews, interviews and features across a wide range of musical categories such as:

• Pop and Rock

• Dance and Electronic

• Hip-Hop, Rap and R&B

• Jazz and Blues

• Classical

Paul Zimmerman, general manager for Music at Amazon.co.uk, said:

• Music writing is an integral part of Amazon.co.uk's music store with commissioned journalist and customer reviews playing an important part of the editorial content. Amazon.co.uk thought it was high time that talent at a grass roots level was officially recognised. We are honoured to have some the finest names in the music industry on our judging panel to choose the student music journalist of the year.

How to Enter

To be considered for the Student Music Journalist Award, entrants must send in an article of their choice, published between February 1, 2002 and January 31, 2003, along with an entry form, which can be obtained in the following ways:

• by downloading an entry form from www.amazon.co.uk/musicawards

• by e-mailing musicawards@amazon.co.uk

• by telephoning Amazon Music Journalism Awards on 020 7465 7700

Closing date for entries is January 31, 2003.

The shortlisted entrants will be notified in February 2003 (when a further two examples of work will be requested) and the awards ceremony, where all winners will be announced, will take place in London in April 2003.

The judges:

• John Aizlewood--award-winning journalist and broadcaster

• Rob Burrow--senior music editor, Amazon.co.uk

• Hugh Canning--chief classical music critic, The Sunday Times

• Emma Jones--The Sun columnist and former editor of Smash Hits

• Paul Lester--associate editor, Uncut

• Stuart Maconie--2001 Sony Broadcaster of the Year (Music)

• David Quantick--writer, performer and broadcaster

• Miranda Sawyer (chair)--award-winning journalist and author

• Ajax Scott--editor, Music Week

• Phil Sutcliffe--journalist, journalism teacher and NUJ representative

For further information please contact the Amazon.co.uk press office on 020 8636 9280.

About Amazon.co.uk

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As used herein, "Amazon.com," "we," "our" and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Forward-looking Statement

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