The award was for 'Innovation of the Year' at the second BBC World Service Awards at the BAFTA in central London.

 

Former directors of the project Meena Baktash and Sima Alinejad joined former Python Michel Palin, CBE, on the podium as Sina Motalebi, a new media specialist and Iran Country Director for BBC World Service Trust, collected the award.

 

He looked surprised and admitted to not having prepared a speech: "I am happy to receive this award on behalf of 150 aspirant Iranian journalists," he said upon receiving the award.

 

It's a great achievement, set against difficult conditions - the site had to be 'unblocked' at one point, and ensuring the safety of contributors has been a constant theme for the project.

 

The web and radio 'magazine' includes features written by Iranians on social issues in Tehran and the provinces. It is also a shared workspace for trainees who receive iLearn training in the principles and practice of fair, balanced and independent journalism.

 

In addition to peer review mechanisms, messageboards and feedback, contributors use a password-protected holding area where features are edited by Sina before being published live to the site. This all takes place on a bespoke content management system designed and developed by the Trust.

 

Have a look at the site ...

... but if you can't read Farsi this is an interesting article on the project in English: