The Free Press Awards recognize journalists and media professionals who have a strong commitment to press freedom and independent information. The Award will honor journalists and media professionals who continue no matter what.

Free Press Unlimited wants to honor journalists who risk everything to bring us the news, media pioneers who pave the way for equality and justice, and those who persevere under the most difficult circumstances. The Free Press Awards will recognize exceptional work in the categories Newcomer of the Year and Most Resilient Journalist.

Categories

• Most Resilient Journalist: The Free Press Award in the category Most Resilient Journalist is presented to a journalist who has demonstrated extraordinary strength of character, courage, and perseverance in reporting the news.
• Newcomer of the Year: The category Newcomer of the Year in Journalism recognizes talented new journalists who have put in a strong performance when it comes to reporting the news.

Criteria 

For Most Resilient Journalists:

• Nominees of the Most Resilient Journalist have often faced imprisonment, violence, and censorship for doing their job.
• They have shown a strong commitment to press freedom and independent information, and are generally highly-regarded journalists who are willing to risk their life or their freedom in order to keep the public informed.

For Newcomer of the Year:

• The nominees all demonstrate exceptional commitment to press freedom and independent coverage and use innovative methods to disseminate this information.
• Nominees in the category Newcomer of the Year show extraordinary dedication to journalism as a means to hold those in power accountable and to serve as a watchdog in the public interest.
• They manage to share stories that would otherwise be left untold. In recognition of his or her achievements, the winner of the Newcomer of the Year – Hans Verploeg Award will receive a media scholarship.

Benefits

• The winner in the category “Newcomer of the Year” will receive a media scholarship by choice.
• The winner in the category “Most Resilient Journalist” will receive a cash prize of € 15,000.

Read more about the categories Newcomer of the Year and Most Resilient Journalist.