Knight Fellow Wins Award for Pioneering News Network in Indonesia

By: Sonja Matanovic | 03/29/2013

Knight Fellow Harry Surjadi created RuaiSMS, a citizen journalist-based communication network that ensures rural areas of Indonesia are covered by mainstream media.

For his work as a Knight International Journalism Fellow, Harry Surjadi has won the 2013 Communications for Social Change Award. He developed a groundbreaking news channel in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, using mobile and FrontlineSMS texting. He also trained hundreds of indigenous citizens to be reporters for this new platform.

The award is given by Australia's Centre for Communication and Social Change at the University of Queensland School of Journalism and Communication to recognize professionals and organizations that use communications to advance social, economic and technological development.

Latest News

ICFJ Statement on African News Innovation Challenge

From 2012 to 2014, the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) worked in partnership with the African Media Initiative (AMI) to manage programs aimed at helping African media and media support outlets to improve the quality of their journalism, their use of technology, and their financial sustainability. Among these programs was the African News Innovation Challenge (ANIC), with its digital innovation lab, which provided grants and mentoring to organizations with the best ideas for finding technological solutions for news gathering and dissemination.

U.S. Ethnic and Indigenous Media Play Critical Role in Countering Disinformation, New ICFJ Study Finds

While political disinformation is surging across the United States, one part of the news media is proving especially resilient in stopping the spread of false information – ethnic and Indigenous newsrooms, according to a new study by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ).

ICFJ+ and Project C to Map Standout News Creators Worldwide

There are a lot of talented news creators out there doing compelling journalistic work. But finding them can be hard. That’s why ICFJ+ and Project C are teaming up to launch regional lists of news creators to watch across the globe. The goal is simple: surface and elevate news creators who are building deep relationships with loyal audiences across newsletters, video, podcasts, social media, and more.