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, 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.


The deadline for application is June 1 2008.

Local Journalists are considered print journalists employed by a local news outlet and residing in a developing country or nation in transition whose work has been published in a local publication. Although individual journalists are the primary focus, submissions from a team of journalists will also be considered.

Freelance Journalists are considered freelance print journalists and those contracted by news organisations. A freelance journalist is an individual who is not employed by a news organisation. They are self-employed, providing services, either on the basis of time or on the production of editorial materials as defined by individual contractual arrangements, and earn the majority of their income from journalistic activity.

The 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 five judges.

Each applicant must submit six copies of the following by post or email:

• Freelance Journalist Entry Form [PDF] or Local Journalist Entry Form [PDF] (linked below).
• The original articles (up to three), accompanied by English translations. Articles must have appeared in print between March 1 2007 and May 31 2008.
• The applicant's curriculum vitae, listing education and journalistic experience, with dates.
• A statement providing background and context for the story submitted.
• A signed original letter from the editor of the publication on official letterhead supporting the submission for the Kurt Schork Award, including confirmation of the nominee's employment status with the publication.
• One (1) photograph. Photocopies of photographs will not be accepted.

Click here for application information in English, French, and Spanish.

Click here for the freelance reporter entry from in PDF format.

Click here for the local reporter entry from in PDF format.

Click here to read about winners of last year's competition.