2024 Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism

The Kurt Schork Memorial Fund (KSMF) invites freelance journalists, local reporters and news fixers from around the world to submit entries for the 23rd annual Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism.

Named in memory of American freelance journalist Kurt Schork, who was killed in 2000 while on assignment for Reuters in Sierra Leone, the Awards recognise the bravery of journalists who take great personal risk, often for little reward, to shine a light on the truth and hold power to account.

Award categories

The three award categories, open to those reporting for print and online publications, recognise the media professionals that Kurt particularly admired:

• Freelance Award: recognising freelance journalists who travel to the world’s conflict zones, usually at great personal risk, to witness and report on the impact and consequences of these events.
• Local Reporter Award: recognising the often-overlooked work of journalists in developing nations, or countries in transition, who write about events in their homeland.
• News Fixer Award: recognising the work of local journalists or experts, typically hired by foreign correspondents, whose guidance and local knowledge play an unsung but vital role in facilitating international coverage from difficult, dangerous or hostile locations.

Entrants for the Local Reporter and Freelance Awards must submit three articles each, published between June 01, 2023 and May 31, 2024. The judges will look for journalistic excellence in applicants’ submissions and evidence of determination and courage in obtaining their stories.

News Fixer Award applicants must submit three references from foreign correspondents with whom they have worked during the same time period. The range of skills displayed by a news fixer can be vast and this is taken into consideration by the jury. They will look for evidence of skills such as displaying excellent news judgment, suggesting story leads and providing logistical support. The judges will also consider how the applicant’s support benefited the content, impact and reach of the coverage they facilitated.

How to apply

The deadline for applications is May 31, 2024. To learn more and apply, please click here.