2025 Kurt Schork Memorial Fund Awards in International Journalism (US$5,000 prize)

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About Kurt Schork Memorial Fund Awards in International Journalism

The Awards recognise excellence and courage in reporting conflict, corruption, injustice and human rights issues, with winners receiving a $5,000 cash prize. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports the number of journalists killed in 2024 reached record highs. As levels of violence and intimidation against media professionals surge, this recognition remains as vital as ever.

Named in memory of American freelance journalist Kurt Schork, who was killed in 2000 while on assignment for Reuters in Sierra Leone, the Awards recognise the bravery of journalists who take great personal risk, often for little reward, to shine a light on the truth and hold power to account.

The three award categories, open to those reporting for print and online publications, recognise the media professionals that Kurt particularly admired:

• Freelance Award: recognising freelance journalists who travel to the world’s conflict zones, usually at great personal risk, to witness and report on the impact and consequences of these events.
• Local Reporter Award: recognising the often-overlooked work of journalists in developing nations, or countries in transition, who write about events in their homeland.
• News Fixer Award: recognising the work of local journalists or experts, typically hired by foreign correspondents, whose guidance and local knowledge play an unsung but vital role in facilitating international coverage from difficult, dangerous or hostile locations.

• School: The Centre for the Study of Conflict, Emotion and Social Justice at Bournemouth University

Benefits of Kurt Schork Memorial Fund Awards in International Journalism

• Winners receiving a $5,000 cash prize.

Kurt Schork Memorial Fund Awards in International Journalism Requirements

• This award is open to freelance journalists, local reporters and news fixers from around the world.

Application Date and Process

• Freelance Award Application Form
• Local Reporter Award Application Form
• News Fixer Award Application Form

Entrants for the Local Reporter and Freelance Awards must submit three articles each, published between June 01, 2024 and June 15, 2025. The judges will look for journalistic excellence in applicants’ submissions and evidence of determination and courage in obtaining their stories.

News Fixer Award applicants must submit three references from foreign correspondents with whom they have worked during the same time period. The range of skills displayed by a news fixer can be vast and this is taken into consideration by the jury. They will look for evidence of skills such as displaying excellent news judgment, suggesting story leads and providing logistical support. The judges will also consider how the applicant’s support benefited the content, impact and reach of the coverage they facilitated.

Application Deadline

15 June, 2025

Scholarship Application Portal

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