Global Shining Light Award

"More and more journalists are being killed, and media outlets attacked, because they are carrying out important efforts in investigative journalism - exposing uncomfortable truths, shining light on systematic corruption, and providing accountability in societies yearning for democracy and development."

Every 2 years, the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) presents the Global Shining Light Award, an award that honours investigative journalism in a developing or transitioning country that is done under threat, duress, or in dire conditions. There are more journalists killed each year covering corruption and politics than are killed covering wars, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

The award will go to the journalist, journalism team, or media outlet that has provided independent, investigative reporting that:

• Originated in and affected a developing or emerging country;
• Was broadcast or published between January 1 2015 and December 31 2016;
• Was of an investigative nature;
• Uncovered an issue, wrongdoing, or system of corruption that gravely affected the common good; and
• Did so in the face of arrest, imprisonment, violence against them and their families, or threats and intimidation.

The winner receives an honourary plaque, US$2,000, and a trip to the November 2017 Global Investigative Journalism Conference to accept the award.

GIJN is an international association of nonprofit organisations that support, promote, and produce investigative journalism. GIJN holds conferences, conducts trainings, provides resources and consulting, and encourages the creation of similar nonprofit groups. It was founded in 2003, when more than 300 journalists from around the world gathered for the second Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. Since then, it has grown to 145 member organisations in 62 countries.