April 6, 2005

MBA Nominated for "Freedom of Expression" Award

The new Media Bloggers Association, of which I am a member, has been nominated for a Freedom of Expression award by Reporters Without Borders. MBA founder Robert Cox emails:

Some of the work done by the MBA to merit this nomination are known while others are not known except to a few including Julien at RSF who put the MBA in for nomination.

Known efforts include the Tsunami Video Hosting Initiative and the Legal Defense Initiative (and our taking on the Tulsa World v. Batesline case). We are also working on creating our first "chapter" in Nepal to support bloggers in the wake of the recent Royal Coup.

The unknown efforts are projects related to the Anoniblogging Rountable which will be part of the BlogNashville event; publicity for these efforts woud defeat the purpose of our efforts but suffice to say that we are supporting people who's life and liberty are at stake.

Although there are a number of good entries in the International category, I think we can make a good case that the MBA is deserving of this award and I would encourage you to vote and encourage your readers to vote for the MBA.

Related Item: The MBA has announced an interim board, which will meet on May 6 during the BlogNashville conference, to organize the MBA for the long-term. I'm a member of the interim board.