The internationalisation of the Catalan independence process has more than once caused difficulties for the Spanish government. Media around the world haven't been sufficiently critical of the independence movement for their liking, especially since part of the government left into exile given the legal persecution they've been subjected to.
The diplomatic activity in response from the Spanish foreign ministry has been intense: sieges of pro-independence events abroad, exchanges of favours with other governments, repeated messages from ambassadors to international media and pressure turned on Catalan authorities to avoid any promotion of the cause. Now this is all joined by a prize specifically aimed at foreign correspondents.
The initiative in question is the "Palacio de Viana Journalism Awards", taking their name from the official residence of the Spanish foreign minister. Each of the three prizes comes with 12,000€ (£10,500, $14,000).
As reported by El Confidencial Digital, the intention of Alfonso Dastis's ministry is to reward articles on foreign policy. Two of the prizes follow this line: one for the best article on foreign policy in the written press, one for the best radio or television program on foreign policy. The third, however, is the one that has given rise to controversy. It will be awarded to the foreign correspondent who contributes the most to Spain's good reputation. In other words, it will take into account the ideological line of the article becoming, in fact, a reward for speaking well of the Spanish government and its policies.
The prizes are an initiative of the Directorate-General for Communication and Diplomatic Information, to be funded from the ordinary budget.