Not only is MultiChoice an integral player in the empowerment of African journalists globally, the company, along with CNN, seeks to reinforce the importance of the journalist's role in Africa. In order to boost this, African talent across all journalistic disciplines is commended and recognised at the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year awards. The Competition is open to African professional journalists working on the continent for media organisations that are African-owned or principally based in Africa, or that publish a publication for reception within the continent. The competition is open to freelance journalists working under the same criteria as well. The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards are the longest running, most prestigious Pan African Awards for journalists in Africa. Founded in 1995 by Edward Boateng, who at the time worked for CNN's parent company - Turner Broadcasting System Ltd., - the competition aims to reinforce the importance of the journalists' role in Africa and to recognise and develop journalistic talent across all disciplines. Over the past eleven years, the competition has grown in size and status. In 2005 it attracted over 1,500 entries from 40 African countries. This year, the competition will award prizes in 15 categories comprising: South African Airways Tourism Award; Arts and Culture; MSD Health & Medical; Sport; Environment; Economics and Business; Mohamed Amin Photographic Award; Free Press Africa Award; Francophone General News; Portuguese Speaking General News; Radio, Television News Bulletin and Features; Print General News and a new category for 2006 - The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation Award for HIV/AIDS Journalism. From these category winners, the judges will choose the overall winner - The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2006. Winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony in Maputo at the Polana Serena Hotel, Mozambique, on Saturday 15 July.