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December 16, 2025 – General –
A new media initiative, the Global Video News Awards, has been launched to celebrate and amplify compelling journalism from the Global South, marking what organizers describe as “a new era” in international storytelling.
The awards — unveiled at a high-profile event in Dubai — aim to recognize excellence in video journalism produced in, by, and about regions that are often underrepresented in mainstream global media. Organizers say the initiative responds to persistent imbalances in whose voices are heard and whose stories are valued on the world stage, especially from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
According to event founders, the awards will honor journalists, camerawomen, camera operators, producers, and documentary makers whose work captures powerful narratives about social change, conflict, culture, and public-interest issues. Entries will be judged on criteria that emphasize impact, originality, ethical reporting, and narrative craft, with a particular focus on stories that deepen public understanding of lived experiences in the Global South.
Speakers at the launch highlighted how digital platforms and mobile technologies have transformed video journalism, enabling storytellers from diverse backgrounds to reach global audiences without relying solely on traditional Western media gatekeepers. The awards are designed to build on this shift by creating a prestigious, internationally recognized platform that elevates high-quality work that might otherwise receive limited visibility.
Media professionals at the event welcomed the initiative as timely, noting that much of the world’s most urgent reporting now originates in regions experiencing rapid social, political, and environmental change. Advocates of the awards argue that recognizing local and regional voices can improve the richness and diversity of global news narratives, while also encouraging ethical, in-depth coverage of underreported issues.
Organizers said the awards will include multiple categories, spanning short documentaries, investigative video reports, feature storytelling, and long-form productions. In addition to prizes, finalists will be offered networking opportunities, masterclasses, and mentorship sessions with senior journalists and media executives. This support component is intended to strengthen the skills and professional development of nominees and winners alike.
The launch event also featured commentary on the challenges faced by video journalists in the Global South, including limited funding, safety risks in conflict zones, digital censorship, and technological barriers. Panelists underscored that initiatives like the Global Video News Awards can help address these obstacles by spotlighting excellence, advocating for press freedom, and connecting practitioners with global audiences and partners.
As media landscapes evolve, the Global Video News Awards signal a growing recognition of the value of diverse storytelling and a concerted effort to make international journalism more inclusive — not just in the stories that are told, but in who gets to tell them.
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