Celebrating underreported stories from around the world

The One World Media Awards is made possible thanks to the generous support of our partners

The One World Media Awards are an opportunity to have your work recognised amongst the best in global journalism.

The One World Media Awards recognise the best media coverage of the global south. Stories that break through stereotypes, change the narrative and connect people across cultures. 

Each year, hundreds of entries from all over the world are judged by our panels of distinguished professionals, carefully selected from the media and non-profit sectors for their wide ranging experience and expertise.

The Awards are now closed for entries. The Longlist will be announced on 27 March. 

              Key Dates:

    • Open for entries: 4 Jan
    • Close for entries: 8 February 
    • Longlist announced: 27 March 
    • Nominees announced: 2 May 
    • Awards ceremony: 19 June

“Winning the One World Media International Journalist of the Year award is extraordinary. It has brought so much attention to my work as a journalist. But I’m excited at the fact that more people now show interest in what’s going on in the vulnerable and dangerous places in Africa I’ve reported about.”

Philip Obaji Jr, 2023 winner of the International Journalist of the Year Award

One World Media Award Categories 2024

The awards celebrate work across 15 categories and a wide range of media platforms, spotlighting the year’s best media coverage of underreported stories from around the world.

“Getting this recognition from OWM inspires us to continue our work covering “sacrifice zones”, places where profits are put before human rights, health, and the climate, and where people’s voices are too often silenced or ignored.”

Jess Kelly & Owen Pinnell of BBC News Arabic, 2023 winners of the Television Documentary Award

“For us it’s an honour to be at One World Media among so many other great filmmakers and to see our voices amplified throughout this award. We are beyond thrilled.”

Juliana Curi, winner of the 2023 Feature Documentary Award

Previous Winners

Since their inception in 1988, the One World Media Awards have recognised the work of over 1000 journalists and filmmakers highlighting stories from around the world on a range of issues.

International Journalist of the Year Award

For a filmmaker or journalist working in any medium who has made the most outstanding contribution to international journalism during the past year.

Entrants can be based anywhere in the world. You should submit a maximum of four examples of work in any medium or mixture of mediums: TV or radio reports, film clips, videos, print articles, online articles from established online publications or websites.

Duration: If submitting multiple radio or TV/film pieces or clips, the total combined duration of these pieces must not exceed 30 minutes.

Please note that entrants who have entered this category in previous years are eligible to enter again as long as new work is submitted.

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Feature Documentary Award

For a feature-length documentary film that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.

Duration: Entries to this category must be 50 minutes or longer.

Please note that films subtitled in English may be entered.

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New Voice Award

For a young filmmaker or journalist working in any medium, 32 years of age or under as of 14th February 2018, who has made a substantial contribution to international journalism during the year.

Entrants can be based anywhere in the world. You should submit a maximum of four examples of work in any medium or mixture of mediums: TV or radio reports, film clips, videos, print articles, online articles from established online publications or websites.

Duration: If submitting multiple radio or TV/film pieces or clips, the total combined duration of these pieces must not exceed 30 minutes.

Please note that entrants who have entered this category in previous years are eligible to enter again as long as new work is submitted.

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Television Documentary Award

Sponsored by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

European Bank

For a factual journalistic programme broadcast on television or online, either standalone or one episode from a series, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.

Duration: Entries to this category can be up to one television hour in length.

Please note that entire series/seasons cannot be accepted as a single entry.

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Radio and Audio Award

Supported by EBU

For an audio feature, podcast, or single programme from a series, broadcast on radio or online, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.

Duration: Entries to this category must not exceed 60 minutes.

Please note that entire series/seasons cannot be accepted as a single entry. Programmes in any language can be entered, however a transcription in English must be provided.

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Corruption Reporting Award

Sponsored by Transparency International

Transparency International

For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, print or film, that deals with any aspect of corruption in or related to the developing world, including investigative reports and features that show the effects of corruption on individuals or society.

Corruption is defined as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, including everything from grand larceny to petty bribery.

Please note that entire series/seasons cannot be accepted as a single entry.

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Print Award

For a feature article (750 words or longer) published in print or online that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world. This may include specialist features such as sport, music, food and health.

Please note that judges will consider only one feature article per entry. If the article is part of a larger series, please use the synopsis to give context, but do not include the entire series. Several individual articles from the same series can be submitted as separate entries if desired.

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Digital Media Award

Sponsored by Google

For websites, interactive online features, apps, interactive documentaries and other digital technologies that use creative and innovative techniques and content to extend knowledge and understanding of, and engagement with, the developing world.

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News Award

For a single television or online video news report or feature that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.

Duration: Entries to this category must not exceed 15 minutes.

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Refugee Reporting Award

Sponsored by British Red Cross

British Red Cross

For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, print or film, that covers refugee and asylum-seeker issues by telling compelling stories that generate empathy, understanding and are reported on accurately and fairly.

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Student Award

For a piece of media, including film, radio, digital or print, made by a student as part of a journalism or filmmaking course at a university or film school that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.

The work entered must have been completed within the qualifying period for entries and must be the same work that was submitted to the course, not a re-edited or updated version.

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Popular Features Award

For a piece of media, including broadcast, digital, print or film, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world through creative treatment of an issue. The media should reach a wider audience potentially less familiar with developing countries and issues and help to provide a more accurate, balanced perspective.

This may include entertainment programmes, dramas, docu-dramas, formats, sports coverage, comedies, reality shows and popular print features.

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Short Film Award

For a short film that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.

Duration: Entries to this category must not exceed 25 minutes.

Please note that films subtitled in English may be entered.

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Special Award

Open only to media based in a developing country

For an independent media organisation based in a developing country using media to address social, cultural, political and economic issues. The Award seeks to recognise and encourage outstanding reporting that informs the public, provides an outlet for local people’s voices, creates a space for critical information and holds those in power to account.

For details on eligibility and how to enter the Special Award, please click here.

There is no entry fee for this category.

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Environmental Reporting Award

For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, print or film, that explore the relationship between people and the planet. In particular, we are interested in these areas: changing cities, climate change, energy, environmental health, environmental justice, food, water, wildlife and zero waste. However, any environmental topic or angle related to developing countries will be considered.

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Children in Conflict Reporting Award

Sponsored by Save the Children

Save the Children

For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, print or film, that accurately portrays issues related to children in conflict zones by telling compelling stories that generate empathy and understanding.

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Children in Conflict Reporting Award

For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, print or film, that accurately portrays issues related to children in conflict zones by telling compelling stories that generate empathy and understanding.

Sponsored by Save the Children

Save the Children

 

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Digital Media Award

For websites, interactive online features, apps, interactive documentaries and other digital technologies that use creative and innovative techniques and content to extend knowledge and understanding of, and engagement with, the developing world.

Sponsored by Google

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Environmental Impact Award

For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, print or film, that explore the relationship between people and the planet. In particular, we are interested in these areas: changing cities, climate change, energy, environmental health, environmental justice, food, water, wildlife and zero waste.

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Feature Documentary Award

For a feature-length (over 40 minutes) documentary film that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.

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International Journalist of the Year Award

For a filmmaker or journalist working in any medium who has made the most outstanding contribution to international journalism during the past year.

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New Voice Award

For a young filmmaker or journalist working in any medium, 32 years of age or under as of 13th February 2020, who has made a substantial contribution to international journalism during the year.

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News Award

For a single television or online video news report or feature that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.

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Popular Features Award

For a piece of media, including broadcast, digital, print or film, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world through creative treatment of an issue. The media should reach a wider audience potentially less familiar with developing countries and issues and help to provide a more accurate, balanced perspective.

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Radio & Audio Award

For an audio feature, podcast, or single programme from a series, broadcast on radio or online, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.

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Refugee Reporting Award

For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, print or film, that covers refugee and asylum-seeker issues by telling compelling stories that generate empathy, understanding and are reported on accurately and fairly.

Sponsored by British Red Cross

British Red Cross

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Short Film Award

For a short film that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world. The short film must be between 5 and 40 minutes.

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Print Award

For a feature article (750 words or longer) published in print or online that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world. This may include specialist features such as sport, music, food and health.

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Television Documentary Award

For a factual journalistic programme broadcast on television or online, either standalone or one episode from a series, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.

Sponsored by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

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Student Award

For a piece of media, including film, radio, digital or print, made by a student as part of a journalism or filmmaking course at a university or film school that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.

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Special Award

For an independent media organisation based in a developing country using media to address social, cultural, political and economic issues. The Award seeks to recognise and encourage outstanding reporting that informs the public, provides an outlet for local people’s voices, creates a space for critical information and holds those in power to account.

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Short Film Award

Winner:

🏆 Lawaris: Karachi’s Unidentified Dead – Owen Kean for Vice

 

Nominees:

The Nightcrawlers – Alexander A. Mora for Genius Loki Films & Violet Films

Unreported World: Girls Behind Bars – Datshiane Navanayagam for Channel 4

Special Mention:

Somali Night Fever – Rachel Clara Reed & Megan Iacobini de Fazio for The Guardian

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Student Award

Winner:

🏆 Separation – MA Ethnographic & Documentary Film, UCL

 

Nominees:

Isle of Us – National Film and Television School

Miss Curvy – National Film and Television School

Special Mention:

The Fish You (Don’t Know You Eat) – University of British Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism

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Refugee Reporting Award

Sponsored by British Red Cross

British Red Cross

 

Winner:

🏆 Libya: The Infernal Trap – France 24

 

Nominees:

Enslaved on a British cannabis farm: ‘The plants were more valuable than my life’ – The Guardian

“I will not leave this place.” Refusing to become a refugee and other reflections from the heart of Congo’s ongoing conflict – Global Press Journal

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Popular Features Award

Winner:

🏆 In Refugee Settlements in Uganda, Survivors Grapple With How to Raise Children Born of Rape – Amanda Sperber for Glamour Magazine

 

Nominees:

Stacey Dooley Investigates: Nigeria’s Female Suicide Bombers – Stacey Dooley for BBC Three

Thailand’s Rebel Artists – Drew Ambrose for Al Jazeera

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Print Award

Winner:

🏆 How to save a country from snakebite – Yao-Hua Law for Mosaic

 

Nominees:

I Can No Longer Continue to Live Here – Jill Filipovic for Politico Magazine

WWF’s Secret War – Tom Warren and Katie J.M. Baker for Buzzfeed

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Radio & Audio Award

Winner:

🏆 The Undercover Migrant – BBC World Service

 

Nominees:

AfroQueer Podcast – AQ Studios

Mothers of Invention – Doc Society

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Television Documentary Award

Sponsored by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

 

Winner:

🏆 The Yazidis Secret Children – BBC Persian

 

Nominees:

The Beast – Record TV

Undercover with the Clerics: Iraq’s Secret Sex Trade – BBC News Arabic

Special Mention:

The Husband School – Al Jazeera, Witness

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News Award

Winner:

🏆 Uighur Families – BBC News

 

Nominees:

The targeting of ambulances in Idlib – Channel 4 News

Working the nightshift on malaria’s frontline in Sierra Leone – On Our Radar for BBC News Digital

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Children in Conflict Reporting Award

Sponsored by Save the Children

Save the Children

 

Winner:

🏆 Lost Children of the Caliphate – BBC News

 

Nominees:

Inside Idlib: Kids scavenging trash for food in Idlib, Syria – Channel 4 News

Iraq: A State of Mind – BBC News Arabic

 

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Environment Impact Award

Winner:

🏆 Silent Forests – Mariah Wilson for House Tiger Productions

 

Nominees:

Logging is corrupting these islands. One village fights back—and wins – National Geographic

Rainforest on Fire – The Intercept

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Digital Media Award

Sponsored by Google

Winner:

🏆 Treasure Hunters: The lost coins of Alexander the Great – BBC News Arabic

 

Nominees:

Generation Gulag – Coda Story

SHELL SHOCKED – The Intercept

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New Voice Award

Winner:

🏆 Shatha Hammad – Middle East Eye

 

Nominees:

Naseh Shaker – Freelance

Oscar Lopez – Freelance

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Feature Documentary Award

Winner:

🏆 Defying the Cutting Season – Giselle Portenier for Defying Destiny Films Inc

 

Nominees:

The Letter – Maia Lekow and Christopher King for Circle & Square Films

Trial of Ratko Mladic – Henry Singer and Rob Miller for Sandpaper Films Production

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International Journalist of the Year Award

Winner:

🏆 John Sudworth – BBC News

 

Nominees:

Alex Crawford – Sky News

Fisayo Soyombo – The Cable

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Special Award

Winner:

🏆 Rappler – The Philippines

 

Nominees:

Agência Pública – Brazil

Mail & Guardian – South Africa

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Coronavirus Reporting Award

Sponsored by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

Winner:

🏆 How Coronavirus Hit Aden: A Yemeni Doctor’s Diary – The New Humanitarian

 

Nominees:

Bullet and the Virus – BBC Africa

Locked Up in Malaysia’s Lockdown – 101 East, Al Jazeera English

Special Mention:

Indigenous Colombians Take on Armed Groups – and Coronavirus – Al Jazeera

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Television Documentary Award

Sponsored by European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

For a factual journalistic programme broadcast on television or online, either standalone or one episode from a series, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the global south.

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Women Entrepreneurs Reporting Award

Sponsored by the European Investment Bank

For media, including broadcast, digital, audio, film or print, that explores women’s entrepreneurship in the global south. Reporting can showcase stories of successful female entrepreneurs, the challenges women face in trying to grow their businesses, and/or the critical role that women entrepreneurs play in economic development by boosting growth and creating jobs.

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Refugee Reporting Award

Sponsored by British Red Cross

For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, audio, print or film, that covers refugee and asylum-seeker issues by telling compelling stories that generate empathy, understanding and are reported on accurately and fairly.

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Digital Media Award

Sponsored by Google News Initiative

For websites, interactive online features, apps, interactive documentaries and other digital technologies that use creative and innovative techniques and content to extend knowledge and understanding of, and engagement with, the global south.

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Environmental Impact Award

Sponsored by WaterBear Network

For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, audio, print or film, that explores the relationship between people and the planet. In particular, we are interested in these areas: changing cities, the climate crisis, energy, environmental health, environmental justice, food, water, wildlife and zero waste.

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Feature Documentary Award

For a feature-length (over 40 minutes) documentary film that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the global south.

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International Journalist of the Year Award

For a filmmaker or journalist working in any medium who has made the most outstanding contribution to international journalism during the past year.

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News Award

For a single television or online video news report or feature that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the global south.

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Popular Features

For a piece of media, including broadcast, digital, audio, print or film, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the global south through creative treatment of an issue. The media should reach a wider audience potentially less familiar with global south and help to provide a more accurate, balanced perspective.

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Print Award

For a feature article (750 words or longer) published in print or online that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the global south. This may include specialist features such as sport, music, food and health.

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Podcast & Radio Award

For an audio feature, podcast, or single programme from a series, broadcast on radio or online, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the global south.

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Short Film Award

For a short documentary film that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the global south. The short film must be between 5 and 40 minutes.

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Special Award

For an independent media organisation based in the global south using media to address social, cultural, political and economic issues. The Award seeks to recognise and encourage outstanding reporting that informs the public, provides an outlet for local people’s voices, creates a space for critical information and holds those in power to account.

×
Student Award

For a piece of media, including film, radio, digital or print, made by a student as part of a journalism or filmmaking course at a university or film school that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the global south.

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New Voice Award

For a young filmmaker or journalist working in any medium, 32 years of age or under as of 16th February 2022, who has made a substantial contribution to international journalism during the year.

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Women's Solutions Reporting Award

Sponsored by the European Investment Bank

For media, including broadcast, digital, audio, film or print, that explores women’s solutions in the global south. Reporting can showcase stories of women who successfully contributed to tackle challenges faced by women and society at large: solutions to improve women’s financial and economic inclusion, solutions that address the impact of climate change and protect the environment, solutions that increase access to education and health care, or solutions that empower women.

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Refugee Reporting Award

For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, audio, print or film, that covers refugee and asylum-seeker issues by telling compelling stories that generate empathy, understanding and are reported on accurately and fairly.

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Digital Media Award

For websites, interactive online features, apps, interactive documentaries and other digital technologies that use creative and innovative techniques and content to extend knowledge and understanding of, and engagement with, the global south.

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Women's Solutions Reporting Award

Sponsored by the European Investment Bank

For media, including broadcast, digital, audio, film or print, that explores women’s solutions in the global south. Reporting can showcase stories of girls and women who successfully contributed to tackle challenges faced by women and society at large: solutions to improve women’s financial and economic inclusion, solutions that address the impact of climate change and protect the environment, solutions that increase access to education and health care, or solutions that empower girls and women.

Supported by Plan International 

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Innovative Storytelling Award

(formerly the Digital Media Award)

For innovative screen based media that covers a story or topic from the global south. The Award recognises creative and innovative techniques and content that extends knowledge and understanding of the topic, and engages with audiences. Entries should be using new technologies and platforms, such as TikTok, gaming, data, VR, AR, XR or AI.

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Freelance Journalist of the Year Award

(formerly the International Journalist of the Year Award) 

For a freelance filmmaker or journalist who has made the most outstanding contribution to stories from the global south during the year. The Award recognises consistent, impactful reporting that brings a story to audiences in a compelling way. Entrants can be working in any medium, including news, online, audio, print or film.

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Current Affairs Award

(formerly the Television Documentary Award)

Supported by

For a film, programme or investigation that covers a story or topic in the global south. The Award recognises impact, exclusive content and considered analysis of a current affairs issue. Entries can include a specific episode of a strand or a topical, news-led documentary.

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Print Award

(Please note that that former category ‘Popular Features’ has now merged with the Print Award)

For a  feature article published in print or online that covers a  story or  topic in the global south. The Award recognises impact, exclusive content or new perspectives. Entries must be articles of 750 words or longer. 

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Student Award

For media, produced by a student as part of a journalism or filmmaking course at a university or film school that deals with stories or topics in the global south. The Award recognises creative and compelling storytelling.

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Short Documentary Award

For a short documentary film that deals with stories or topics in the global south. The Award recognises impact and storytelling that is character-driven and creative. Entries must be under 40 minutes.

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Refugee Reporting Award

For media that tells stories about people’s experience as refugees, migrants or when seeking asylum. The Award recognises compelling stories that generate empathy, understanding and are reported on accurately and fairly. Entries can be in any medium, including news, online, audio, print or film.

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Podcast & Radio Award

For an audio feature, podcast, or single programme from a series, that covers a story or topic in the global south. The Award recognises impact, and stories that have a compelling narrative. Entries should be broadcast on radio or online.

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News Award

For a written, audio or video news report that covers a story or topic in the global south. The Award recognises exclusive content or an investigation that led the news agenda. Entries can be online, broadcast or in print.

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New Voice Award

For a young filmmaker or journalist who has made a substantial contribution to stories from the global south during the year. The Award recognises impactful storytelling that brings a story to audiences in a compelling way. Entrants should be 32 years of age or under as of 16th February 2024 and can be working in any medium, including news, online, audio, print or film.

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Environmental Reporting Award

For media that explores the relationship between people and the planet in the global south. The Award recognises impact and creativity in telling an environmental story. Entries should cover at least one of these areas: urban development, climate crisis, energy, environmental health, environmental justice, food, water, wildlife and zero waste. Entries can be in any medium, including news, online, audio, print or film

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Feature Documentary Award

For a feature-length  documentary film that covers a story or topic in the global south. The Award recognises impact and storytelling that is character-driven and creative. Entries must be more than 40 minutes long.

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Women’s Solutions Reporting Award

Sponsored by

For media that explores women’s solutions in the global south. The Award recognises empowering stories of girls and women who successfully tackled challenges faced by women and society at large, such as: women’s financial and economic inclusion, addressing the impact of the climate crisis, increasing access to education, healthcare or democracy. Entries can be in any medium, including news, online, audio, print or film.

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Correspondent of the Year Award

(formerly the International Journalist of the Year Award) 

For a filmmaker or journalist working for a media organisation who has made the most outstanding contribution to stories from the global south during the year. The Award recognises consistent, impactful reporting that brings a story to audiences in a compelling way. Entrants can be working in any medium, including news, online, audio, print or film.

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Press Freedom Award

(formerly the Special Award. This Award is free to enter and open only to organisations)

For an independent media organisation based in the global south using media to address social, cultural, political and economic issues. The Award recognises outstanding reporting that informs the public, provides an outlet for local people’s voices, creates a space for critical information and holds those in power to account.

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