Europe 1 creates the Europe1Solidarité award

In the tradition of the station from which the “Restos du Coeur” appeal was launched 27 years ago, Europe 1 decided to create the Europe1Solidarité award to support a non-profit organization by offering it free airtime.

From 23 January to 31 March 2012, non-governmental organizations headquartered in France and in existence for over three years whose social actions concern health, disability, environment, the fight against poverty, social inclusion and return to employment, access to education and culture, or the defence of human rights may submit their candidacy to Europe 1 by completing the downloadable application package available at europe1.fr.

A panel of celebrities and well-known solidarity stakeholders and observers will choose the organization to receive the Europe1Solidarité award. The panel’s members include:

• Florence Aubenas (journalist and president of the International Observatory of Prisons [OIP]).
• Stéphane Hessel (diplomat, author and honorary president of the Support Committee of the International Federation of Human Rights Leagues [FIDH]).
• Martin Hirsch (president of the Agence du Service Civique and co-president of the Enterprise and Poverty Action think tank). 
• Nicolas Poincaré (special correspondent and journalist at Europe 1, host of the Europe 1 evening show).

The recipient of the Europe1Solidarité award will receive support from Europe 1 in the form of a free publicity campaign and broadcasts on its airwaves. This exposure will allow the organization to spotlight the cause it supports and increase listeners’ awareness of its activities.
Important dates:

• 23 January-31 March 2012: submission of applications.
• April 2012: study of application packages by members of the judging panel.
• May 2012: presentation of the Europe1Solidaritéaward.

According to Denis Olivennes, chairman and CEO of Europe 1, “Offering Europe 1’s airwaves to a humanitarian cause will help the chosen organization to increase our listeners’ awareness of its struggles. This award also reaffirms that Europe 1, along with its entire staff, is a responsible medium that does not hesitate to make commitments. I am deeply grateful to Florence Aubenas, Stéphane Hessel, Martin Hirsch and Nicolas Poincaré for agreeing to sit on the judging panel. They guarantee an impartial, enlightened and generous choice of which the entire station can be proud.”