PR is new category at Cannes Lions 2009

Cannes Lions 2009 has introduced a new category called PR Lions. This was announced by the organisers of the 56th Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival. The 56th International Advertising Festival will be held from 21 June to 27 June 2009 in Cannes, France

Entries will be judged on the basis of strategy, creativity and originality, execution and results. The winners of the first ever PR Lions and Grand Prix will be honoured in Cannes on 22 June 2009 alongside the Direct and Promo Lions winners.

Lord Tim Bell, chairman of Chime Communications, will chair the inaugural PR Lions jury. During a distinguished career, Lord Bell is one of the founder members of Saatchi & Saatchi in 1970. He was deputy chairman of The Lowe Group in 1985 and he subsequently bought out the communications division, Lowe Bell Communications in 1989. He is now chairman and a major shareholder in Chime Communications Plc.

Philip Thomas, CEO for Cannes Lions 2009 said, "Launching PR at Cannes has been on our radar for quite a while and as with any new category we introduce, it takes time to prepare to the standard we expect and is expected of us. The time is now right and we are extremely honoured to have Lord Tim Bell chair the first PR Lions jury. An authority on PR with a long and distinguished career, he will bring valuable knowledge and guidance to the inaugural PR Lions competition."

Lord Bell said, "I am honoured to chair the first ever PR jury. This new category will greatly enhance the celebration of communications that is Cannes Lions and will further elevate the recognition of reputation management within our industry."