Within the field of journalism, editorial cartoonists are often considered to be an outside category. As a consequence, cartoonists are excluded from many journalism awards. We firmly believe that cartoonists are journalists and should be considered as such; they should be included in professional journalist organizations and they should be eligible for journalistic awards.

We are happy to announce a step in the right direction. Earlier this year, we talked to the organizers of the European Press Prize to see if it would be possible to include cartoonists. The European Press Prize is a prestigious award for excellence in journalism. This year, for the first time, cartoonists are eligible to submit their work in the category ‘opinion’:

In print and online, opinion is one of the basic forms of journalism. Columnists explain, interpret and give a particular focus to the news. Commentators help cast off old ideas and develop new ones. Opinion is journalism’s essential commentary on the world we live in. Entries in the section may come from columnists or bloggers, but may also include single pieces of up to 5,000 words – from regular contributors or guest writers. Editorials that are necessarily anonymous but properly attributed may be considered. So may cartoons that argue a case with wit and visual impact. The judges will look particularly for cogency, originality and arguments that have an impact in public life.

Cartoonists must work in one of the 47 countries that are member of the Council of Europe and your work must have been published by a European media organization. Work must be send in before December 15. The prize to be won is 10,000 euro. For all the rules and to submit work, visit the European Press Prize website.