Recognizing Independent Video Journalism with the ICFJ News Creator Award

By: ICFJ | 12/23/2024

Applications are now open for the inaugural News Creator Award for Excellence in Independent Video Journalism from the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ).

The award, organized by ICFJ with support from YouTube, will honor independent journalists and news creators from across the world who produce high-quality, reliable news in the public interest. This is the first time ICFJ is presenting an award of this kind to digital-first independent journalists and content creators.
 

Submit a Nomination


A total of eight winners will be recognized at the 2025 International Journalism Festival in Perugia, Italy.
 

 


"This award celebrates news innovators who are transforming how we share essential stories,” said Maggie Farley, ICFJ's senior director of innovation. "These creators show us that when news is accessible and authentic, people don't just consume information – they trust it."

ICFJ invites submissions from across the world. Content should focus primarily on public interest news and adhere to journalistic standards of excellence. Solo creators and individuals working for small newsrooms of twenty people or fewer are welcome to apply.

“As the media landscape evolves, YouTube continues to deliver access to critical news coverage that viewers trust, from traditional media organizations as well as independent voices. We’re proud to join ICFJ in recognizing the incredible work of independent video journalists and news creators,” said Tim Katz, vice president of partnerships at YouTube.

A distinguished international jury will select award recipients in early 2025 based on original reporting or explanatory journalism of thematic importance. The deadline for nominations has now been extended to Jan. 17, 2025 at midnight EST. See the full criteria.

 

News Category
Press Release
Topics
Media Innovation

Latest News

Sharon Moshavi on Journalism, Disinformation and Why Facts Still Matter

Sharon Moshavi, the president of the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), recently joined the Ink and Insights podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of journalism and the evolving information ecosystem. The interview, hosted by author and storyteller Sumit Sharma Sameer, touched on the growing role of AI in both enhancing and undermining journalistic work, the importance of audience-centric innovation and why young reporters must build subject-matter and tech fluency to stay resilient in the industry.

ICFJ Knight Fellow Sannuta Raghu Says “Fidelity to Source” is Vital When Using AI

Newsrooms globally have begun exploring ways to convert their journalism into different formats using AI: for example, from text articles to videos, podcasts, infographics and more. As they do so, the core challenge isn’t just accuracy – it’s rigor. Journalists strive to get facts right and attribute them clearly, avoid bias, verify claims, and maintain transparency. When AI is used to convert a work of journalism from one form to another, the same rigor may not carry over.

A Reporter's Guide to The History of Tariffs

For most of human history, governments have taxed goods crossing their borders. Tariffs — taxes levied on imports or exports — have financed empires, protected domestic industries, and punished foreign rivals. They’ve sparked wars, crashed economies, and redefined alliances. Yet today’s tariff war between the United States and the world doesn’t fit neatly into any of the old molds. Rather than being a tool to nurture domestic industry or fill government coffers, tariffs are now being wielded as weapons in a sprawling contest over global power and economic dominance.