Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism

The Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism recognise independent and professional reporting that sheds new light on controversial issues. Established in 2002, two US$5,000 prizes are awarded each year: one to a local reporter in a developing country or nation in transition whose work has been published in a local publication, and the other to a freelance journalist covering international news.

The stories can focus on conflict, human-rights concerns, cross-border issues, or any other issue of controversy in a particular country or region. The prizes were created to honour Kurt Schork, an American freelance journalist who was killed in Sierra Leone in a military ambush while on assignment for Reuters on May 24 2000.

Entries are welcomed from all types of print-based media, including newspapers, magazines, and established online publications. Blogs and personal websites are not eligible. All submissions must demonstrate professionalism, meet international journalistic standards, and provide evidence that courage and determination played a role in generating the articles. Winners will be chosen by an international panel of judges.