The Worldwide Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award is a prestigious international competition designed to recognize and celebrate the exceptional work of young journalists around the globe. Established by the Thomson Foundation, an organization committed to fostering high-quality journalism and media freedom, this award aims to support emerging talents in the field of journalism and highlight their contributions to the profession.
Open to journalists aged 30 and under, the award seeks to identify and honor those who have demonstrated outstanding storytelling skills, journalistic integrity, and a commitment to impactful reporting. Applicants are required to submit a portfolio of their work, which can include articles, video reports, and multimedia content published in the year preceding the competition. The submitted work should reflect a high standard of journalism, showcasing investigative rigor, creativity, and relevance to contemporary issues.
The selection process for the Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award is rigorous and thorough. A panel of esteemed judges, comprising experienced journalists, editors, and media professionals, reviews the entries. The judges assess the submissions based on criteria such as originality, journalistic excellence, ethical standards, and the potential for impact. The evaluation process ensures that the most deserving candidates are recognized for their exceptional contributions to journalism.
Winners of the Young Journalist Award receive a range of benefits designed to further their careers and enhance their journalistic skills. The top prize typically includes an all-expenses-paid trip to London, where the winners participate in a special awards ceremony. During their stay, they have the opportunity to engage in professional development activities, including workshops, networking events, and visits to leading media organizations. These experiences provide valuable insights into the global media landscape and offer a platform for young journalists to connect with industry leaders and peers.
In addition to the immediate benefits of the award, winners also gain significant recognition and visibility within the global journalism community. The accolade serves as a mark of distinction, enhancing the recipients’ professional reputation and opening doors to new opportunities. Past winners have often used the award as a springboard to advance their careers, secure prestigious positions, and undertake impactful journalistic projects.
The Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award also emphasizes the importance of ethical journalism and the role of the media in society. By celebrating young journalists who adhere to high ethical standards and demonstrate a commitment to truth and accountability, the award reinforces the foundation’s mission to promote responsible journalism. It encourages young reporters to pursue stories that hold power to account, give voice to the marginalized, and contribute to informed public discourse.
The annual competition is organised in partnership with the UK’s Foreign Press Association (FPA) and is presented at their annual awards event in London. The competition enables journalists aged 30 and under, from countries with a Gross National Income (GNI) per capita of less than USD20,000, to send in their best stories to be examined by the judges.
Requirements For The Worldwide Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award
- AGE: Entrants must be 30 years of age or under on 25 November 2024.
- LOCATION: For the purpose of this competition the “developing world” is defined as countries with a Gross National Income (GNI) of US$20,000 or less. Entrants should be from a country that meets the GNI criteria and reporting from/in that country or, if not in their country of origination, in another country fitting the same GNI criteria. To find out if your country qualifies, please see: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD
- PORTFOLIO: Each entrant should submit a portfolio of THREE published or broadcast pieces of work produced in the 12 months preceding 9 August, 2024 (the 12 months prior to the deadline for submissions).
- LANGUAGE: Entries can be in any language but should be accompanied by a verbatim English-language translation.
Application Deadline: 9th August 2024
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