WASHINGTON – The cable television network C-SPAN has launched its 2009 StudentCam video documentary competition. A total of $50,000 will be awarded in prizes, which includes 75 student awards and 11 teacher awards.

The national competition, now in its fifth year, invites all middle school and high school students to produce a five- to eight-minute documentary focusing on the topic: “A message to the new president: What is the most urgent issue for the new president to address after taking office, and why?”

Complete contest details and an entry form are available at the competition’s Web site, www.studentcam.org.

Entries must represent more than one point of view and include C-SPAN video. Students can upload their entry forms and videos online at www.studentcam.org.

“With so many young people excited about this year’s historic election, we want today’s students – and tomorrow’s leaders – to express their views to the new president,” said Joanne Wheeler, C-SPAN vice president of education relations.

The deadline for entries is 5 p.m. Inauguration Day, Tuesday, January 20, 2009. Winners will be announced on March 10, 2009. The grand prize winner with the best overall entry will be awarded $5,000, with multiple cash prize awards of $250, $500, $750, $1,500 and $3,000 to students in both middle and high school categories.