Events

The M20 Summit, an initiative jointly orchestrated by Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) and the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF), convened in Johannesburg on September 1–2, 2025, bringing together journalists, global leaders, policymakers, academics, and civil society. Its purpose? To place media integrity and journalism at the core of the G20’s 2025 agenda. At its heart, the summit served as a platform to dissect and address the most pressing challenges facing today’s media and information ecosystem. Key themes included: Climate change disinformation The rise and danger of AI-generated deepfakes Journalist safety Media viability Cyber misogyny...

Applications are now open—until September 14, 2025—for the newly launched International Civil Society Week (ICSW) Journalist Fellowship 2025, offering journalists worldwide a fully funded opportunity to participate in one of the most significant global civil society gatherings. What Is ICSW? ICSW is the world’s largest assembly of civil society actors, convened by CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance with over 15,000 members across 175+ countries. Co-organized with the Asia Democracy Network (ADN), the 2025 edition will take place November 1–5, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. Grounded in a legacy dating to the 1995 CIVICUS World Assemblies,...

Vodacom has officially announced the entry dates and prize money for the 2025 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards (VJOYs), one of South Africa’s most prestigious journalism honours. The awards, now in their 23rd year, recognise outstanding reporting across multiple platforms and celebrate the essential role of journalists in strengthening democracy and accountability. Entries for the 2025 edition open on Monday, 1 September 2025, and will close on Friday, 10 October 2025. Journalists from print, radio, television, online, and photography are eligible to submit their work. The competition continues to uphold its tradition of inclusivity,...

The selection panel of the prestigious Václav Havel Human Rights Prize has announced its three finalists for 2025. The laureate will receive €60,000, along with a trophy and diploma, recognition of outstanding civil-society contributions to human rights across Europe and beyond. Among the finalists are two imprisoned journalists from the South Caucasus: Mzia Amaghlobeli of Georgia and Ulvi Hasanli of Azerbaijan—both emblematic of unwavering commitment to press freedom under repression. Amaghlobeli is a co-founder of independent media outlets Batumelebi and Netgazeti, and her arrest followed courageous reporting amid protests. Hasanli, director of Abzas Media, has...

Assel Satubaldina, managing editor of The Astana Times, has been selected for the prestigious Reham Al-Farra Memorial Journalism Fellowship, a flagship United Nations program that aims to deepen journalists’ understanding of international affairs and the UN system. Her selection marks a significant achievement both for her career and for Kazakhstan’s growing representation in global media initiatives. The fellowship, which runs virtually during September and October 2025, brings together journalists from developing countries and economies in transition. Fellows participate in high-level briefings with senior UN officials, take part in interviews and press events, and build professional...

Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna has been posthumously awarded the Order of Freedom, Ukraine’s highest civilian honour, following confirmation of her death in Russian captivity. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the award in recognition of her “outstanding personal contribution to the development of independent journalism, the defence of freedom of speech, and unwavering civic position.” Roshchyna, 28, was an award-winning freelance war reporter who had covered frontline stories in eastern and southern Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion. She went missing in August 2022 while reporting in the occupied territories. After nearly three years of silence and failed...

Columbia University has named four women journalists as the recipients of the 2025 Maria Moors Cabot Prizes, recognizing their outstanding contributions to journalism across the Americas. This marks only the second time in the prize’s 87-year history that all Gold Medal honorees are women, highlighting the growing influence and leadership of women in investigative and public interest reporting. Nora Gámez Torres of the Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald was praised as one of the most reliable and consistent voices on Cuba in U.S. media. Her reporting has offered deep insights into Cuban civil society...

The Journalists’ Charity officially launched the Wales Media Awards 2025 on 18 July 2025, inviting news organizations, freelancers, student reporters, photographers, audio teams, and digital storytellers from across Wales to submit high‑quality journalism produced between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025. This annual awards program celebrates outstanding journalistic excellence in English and Welsh, across categories including News Writer, Political Journalist, Podcast of the Year, Community Journalism, and Outstanding Contribution to Journalism. Last year’s awards took place on 15 November 2024 at Cardiff’s Parkgate Hotel. The Wales Media Awards not only honor journalism but also...

Italy has designated May 3, World Press Freedom Day, as its official National Day in Memory of Journalists Killed in the Line of Duty, underscoring a commitment to upholding press freedom in a polarized media environment. The initiative, endorsed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aims to honor journalists who have made the ultimate sacrifice while underlining the public’s right to independent reporting. Meloni’s commemoration emphasized both historical and contemporary challenges faced by Italian journalists, from the tragic murders of foreign correspondents like Ilaria Alpi and Maria Grazia Cutuli to the ongoing risk of intimidation and legal pressure...

The Council of Europe, in collaboration with the EU-funded PRO‑FREX programme, organised a two-day “Training of Trainers” session in Shkodër, Albania, aimed at enhancing the capacity of law enforcement to protect journalists. Over 25 senior police instructors, academy representatives, and legal officers participated, engaging in interactive exercises focused on threats journalists face, European Court of Human Rights standards, and practical strategies for reporting incidents. This training aligns with Albania’s broader EU accession agenda, acknowledging that a free press is foundational to democracy. It emphasises the police's ethical and legal obligations—both domestic and international—to uphold freedom...

In a remarkable recognition of journalistic bravery, Fadi Al-Waheedi, a cameraman based in Gaza for Al Jazeera, has been honored with the 2025 "Youth for Committed Journalism" award by the Spanish online newspaper Infolibre. This accolade comes in light of Al-Waheedi’s extraordinary resilience: last October, while covering the war in Gaza, he sustained a serious gunshot injury to his neck—but has since continued his vital work despite the physical and emotional toll. This prestigious award highlights Al-Waheedi’s unwavering dedication to frontline reporting amid extreme adversity. It also underscores the personal risks media professionals undertake to...

The Women in Media 2025 conference, held in Suva, Fiji, brought together female journalists from across the Pacific region to address ongoing challenges and advocate for meaningful reforms in the media industry. The gathering served as a crucial platform for discussing gender equality, safety, representation, and the unique obstacles women face while working in media throughout the Pacific. Journalists, editors, media leaders, and advocates shared personal experiences, research findings, and collective strategies aimed at breaking down systemic barriers that hinder women’s progress in the field. Participants emphasized the need to ensure that women not only...

The Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP), led by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security, has opened applications for its COP30 Reporting Fellowship. The program will support journalists from low- and middle-income countries to cover the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), taking place in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025. Fellowship Details: In-Person Cohort: Journalists will travel to Belém for both the World Leaders’ Summit (Nov 6–7) and COP30 (Nov 10–21). Virtual Cohort: For Pacific Island journalists who will participate remotely. Support Includes: Round-trip airfare, accommodation, meals, insurance, local...

Three journalists from Akhbar Al Khaleej, a sister publication of the Gulf Daily News, were recognized for their outstanding contributions to journalism at the 2025 Prime Minister’s Award for Journalism in Bahrain. Mohammed Qasim Al Saie received the Best Interview Award. Ali Abdulkhaleq was honored with the Best Visual Journalistic Content Award. Jamil Ahmed Sarhan earned the Best Infographic Report Award. These accolades underscore the journalists' commitment to excellence and the vital role of media in Bahrain's development. Reference -  https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1354675/A-moment-of-pride-for-three-AAK-journalists

"Gaza: Journalists Under Fire" – National Film Premiere & Panel Discussion by Arab Center DCDate: Wednesday, May 29, 2025Time: 6:00 PM EDTLocation: Arab Center, Washington, DCThe Arab Center, in collaboration with Brave New Films and the National Writers Union, presents the premiere of Gaza: Journalists Under Fire. This documentary commemorates the lives and work of Palestinian journalists Bilal Jadallah, Heba Al-Abadlah, and Ismail Al-Ghoul, who were killed while covering the war in Gaza. A panel discussion will follow the screening, featuring experts and advocates addressing media suppression, freedom of the press under occupation, and the...

Al Jazeera English (AJE) has been recognized as Broadcaster of the Year at the 2025 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards, marking an impressive ninth consecutive year receiving this prestigious accolade. This top honor spotlights AJE’s unwavering excellence in covering international affairs and a wide variety of themes. At the virtual awards ceremony held on 22 May, the network received a total of seven gold, nine silver, and eight bronze awards across its news and program offerings. Acting Managing Director Issa Ali described the award as “a profound affirmation” from industry peers, highlighting the...

Al Jazeera journalists Wael al-Dahdouh and Safwat al-Kahlout were jointly awarded the prestigious Terzani Prize in recognition of their extraordinary sacrifices and courageous reporting as Palestinian journalists covering Gaza. Presented during the "vicino/lontano" festival in Udine, Italy, the prize celebrates media professionals who exemplify fearless storytelling and humanitarian commitment. By honoring al-Dahdouh and al-Kahlout, the award spotlighted the personal risks and challenges journalists in Gaza face daily—capturing their dedication to delivering critical news under harrowing conditions. For many observers, the recognition of these two journalists is more than symbolic—it acknowledges how reporting amid conflict zones demands...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Amnesty International Group 471 Hosts Public Event Honoring World Press Freedom Day Carlsbad, CA — In recognition of World Press Freedom Day, Amnesty International San Diego North County Group 471 will host a free public event on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad. The event will spotlight the growing threats faced by journalists around the world and highlight the vital role of a free press in defending human rights and freedom of speech. The evening will feature a screening of the acclaimed Frontline documentary "Putin vs. the Press", followed...

The executive director and editor-in-chief of the Media Development Foundation and Myth Detector is a key advocate for press freedom in Georgia. DW Director General on presenting the DW Freedom of Speech Award: "Tamar Kintsurashvili’s work is crucial in the fight against disinformation and in promoting media literacy in Georgia. Her efforts to combat domestic and international propaganda are essential for freedom of the press, freedom of expression and trust in free media. The country is currently at a crossroads: a parliament without an active opposition, a frozen EU accession process and new authoritarian media laws that...

The 3rd edition of the Mediterranean Agora for Journalism is taking place from April 28 to 30, 2025, in Marseille, France. Organized by Journalisme & Citoyenneté, this event brings together journalists, media professionals, and civil society actors to discuss the future of journalism in Africa and the Mediterranean region. Key Themes and Events Opening Evening (April 28): Held at the MUCEM, this session titled “Syria, A Time for Hope?” explores the challenges and prospects of reporting on Syria. Translations are available in French, English, and Arabic. Second Evening (April 29): At the Palais du Pharo,...

The discussion, ‘Stop the killing of journalists in the world’s deadliest war zones: Palestine, Syria and Yemen’, will feature the participation of: Nasser Abu Bakr, IFJ Vice-President and President of the Palestinian Journalists‘ Syndicate (PJS - Palestine) Adhwan Alahmari, IFJ West Asia sub-group President and President of the Saudi Journalists’ Association (SJA - Saudi Arabia) Mouzon Morshed, President of the Syrian Journalists’ Association (SJA - Syria) Nabil Al Osaidi, Honorary Treasurer of the Yemeni Journalists’ Syndicate (YJS - Yemen) Opening remarks will be delivered by the IFJ President Dominique Pradalié and the discussion will be moderated by...

AHCJ is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Awards for Excellence in Health Care Journalism. Now in its 21st year, the contest recognizes the best of health care journalism across all platforms. The 2024 contest drew 438 entries in 14 categories; there were 14 first-place winners. “Every year the contest committee takes steps to improve the AHCJ Awards. This year we chose to focus on revamping the student category in an effort to level the playing field for student reporters,” said Christine Herman, AHCJ board member and contest committee chair. This year, entries...

Donegal Town journalist Aoife Breslin has been honoured with Croatia’s Golden Pen Award, known locally as the Zlatna Penkala. Based in Dublin and writing for the Lonely Planet, Aoife was recognised for her work on an article exploring Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. The evocative travel feature brought readers on a journey from must-see tourist hotspots such as Diocletian’s Palace to a rural olive oil producer, from luxury hotels to ancient ruins, and her personal highlight, kayaking on the pristine waters of the Adriatic. She was thrilled to return to Croatia to pick up the prestigious award....

Date: October 15 - 18, 2025  The nation’s largest media convention for professionals and college students, MediaFest 25, will take place October 15-18 at the Grand Hyatt Washington. Hosted in the heart of the nation’s capital, just a short walk from iconic landmarks, including the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, White House, and Washington Monument. Sponsored by the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Association, and Society of Professional Journalists, MediaFest 25 will offer a dynamic lineup of workshops, networking opportunities, and industry-leading speakers. Organizers are currently accepting proposals for session presentations. For more details and to submit a session proposal, visit MediaFest25.com...

South Africa’s journalists, the time has come to showcase your excellence! The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) in partnership with Standard Bank, sponsors of the Sikuvile Journalism Awards, reminds all journalists to submit their finest work from January 1 to December 31, 2024, for the prestigious 2025 awards. The call for entries officially opened in early February, and we urge all journalists not to wait until the last minute to enter. The deadline of March 31st is fast approaching, and any delay could cost you an opportunity to be recognised for your exceptional reporting....