The Kurt Schork Memorial Fund (KSMF) invites freelance journalists, local reporters and news fixers from around the world to submit entries for the 25th annual Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism. Apply below:
When is the Application Deadline:
Sunday, June 14, 2026.
Tell Me About The Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism:
The Awards recognise excellence and courage in reporting conflict, corruption, injustice and human rights issues, with winners receiving a $5,000 cash prize. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports the number of journalists killed in 2025 reached 93 – the second highest total since the records began. As levels of violence and intimidation against media professionals surge, this recognition remains as vital as ever.
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.
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.
Which Fields are Eligible?
Journalism
Type:
Journalism award
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Who can Apply for the Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism?
Entrants for the Local Reporter and Freelance Awards must submit three articles each, published between June 01, 2025 and June 14, 2026. 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.
The News Fixer Award, launched in 2016 and presented for the first time in 2017, was inspired by the freelance journalist, author and friend of Kurt Schork, Anna Husarska.
Required Documents:
Applicants are to submit the following documents:
Freelance Award and Local Reporter Award:
- A CV or resumé about your education and journalism career.
- A passport-quality photo (JPEG, GIF or PNG file, size no larger than 250Kb) of yourself.
- A high standard English translation if the original articles are not in English.
- A short statement explaining what you had to do to get the story.
Kindly note the maximum file size for text submissions or scans is 5Mb. Entrants must complete the online entry form (or a PDF for printing and posting if not possible).
News Fixer Award:
- A CV or resumé about your education and career.
- A passport-quality photo (JPEG, GIF or PNG file, size no larger than 250Kb) of yourself.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
All countries
How Many Awards?
Not specified
What is the Benefit of the Award?
Each award category comes with a $5,000 cash prize and global recognition for outstanding journalistic work.
How Long Will the Award Last?
The award is a one-time award.
How to Apply:
- Visit the official webpage.
- Select the category you want to apply for
- Fill out and submit the form.
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
