Raw Deal or Truth Told? Young People in the Media

The Hansard Society and the House of Lords have launched a new competition for young people aged 11 to 16 to express how they feel about media portrayals of their generation: Raw Deal or Truth Told? Young People in the Media. The entrants are being asked to look at issues such as portrayals of youth culture in television programmes, negative coverage in print media and questions like should celebrities, sports stars or musicians be role models? This follows on from the success of 2008’s What a Waste! competition.

The competition is an opportunity for young people who feel strongly about this subject to submit their views in a variety of formats including film and newspaper articles. The winners will be invited to the Houses of Parliament for a tour, and the chance to discuss their submission with Members of the House of Lords Communications Committee. Students from the winning groups will also receive £25 each. All entrants will receive a signed certificate from the Lord Speaker and Lord Fowler, Chair of the Committee and their submissions will be compiled into a report.

Baroness Hayman, the Lord Speaker, said:
 
"Last year's competition was a great success and I know that the Communications Committee is looking forward to hearing from young people themselves about this topical and important subject.

Naturally young people want to voice their thoughts and views about the media's portrayal of them and I would encourage all schools to get involved and contribute to this exciting competition. It is a great opportunity for all participating pupils, and for the winners to spend a day in Parliament and see a select committee in action."

How to get involved:

• Teachers/youth workers should register young people online at www.parliament.uk/holcompetition
• The competition opens on Tuesday 3 March
• The closing date is Friday 5 June
• Entrants should be aged between 11 and 16 years old
• Only group entries will be considered. Groups should be a minimum of two and although there is no limit to group size, only five people from each of the three winning teams can attend the Winners’ Day in Parliament
• Submissions can be in the format of the entrants’ choice e.g. a presentation, film, newspaper article, collage etc.
• Entry details, competition rules, background information and lesson plans for teachers outlining the work of the House of Lords can be found at www.parliament.uk/holcompetition

For further information contact Michael Raftery on M.Raftery@hansard.lse.ac.uk