The ‘Reporting Asylum – The London Press Awards’ have been launched by London mayor Ken Livingstone, in association with the National Union of Journalists.

They recognise excellence in London’s local and regional black and minority ethnic and faith newspapers for fair and balanced coverage of refugee and asylum seekers.

Ken Livingstone said: “Given the current debate about multiculturalism and the pressures on London’s diverse communities at this time, these awards are an important opportunity to demonstrate how newcomers enrich our city. The multicultural character of London is why people choose to live and work here and is central to the future success and prosperity of our city.

“It is essential that the reality of the positive contribution of asylum seekers and refugees to London is reflected in our media. Too often unbalanced and even racist reporting in our press can isolate communities and deny them their right to fair coverage and voice. These awards aim to recognise those London newspapers, which are acting in a more responsible way.”

The awards scheme follows independent research into media coverage of refugee and asylum issues. The report, Reflecting Asylum in London’s Communities, was commissioned by the Mayor to look at how issues concerning asylum and refugees are reported by London’s press.

It found that the sample of London’s press, covering local, regional, faith and Black, Asian and minority ethnic papers, presented stories on asylum seekers in a balanced, accurate, wide-ranging way, which is likely to promote an informed debate about the people and issues involved.

NUJ general secretary Jeremy Dear said: “Given the current debate within the media surrounding the issues of asylum seekers and refugees it is important that we recognise those newspapers whose reporting gives a fair and balanced view of multicultural London.”

Entries to the competition are encouraged from London boroughs, refugee community groups, service providers and voluntary sector organisations. The deadline for submissions is October 30.

More details and full instructions on how to enter can be found at www.london.gov.uk.