Prizes – Press Prize for Russia and Eastern Europe
Press Prizes for Russia and Eastern Europe
The Fritt Ord Foundation, Oslo, and the ZEIT Foundation, Hamburg, cooperate to award press prizes to journalists and media in Russia and Eastern Europe. The press prizes are intended to support the independent role of journalists, despite reprisals and financial difficulties, to encourage them not to be intimidated by censorship and to resist self-censorship.
Quality, professionalism and courage are qualities that distinguish the journalists who receive the Gerd Bucerius Free Press of Eastern Europe Award and the Freedom of Expression Foundation's Press Prize for Russia. Since 2000, the ZEIT Foundation has awarded prizes to newspapers and journalists who strive to promote a free press, free speech and liberal civil societies in the transition states of Eastern Europe. Since 2004, the ZEIT Foundation has awarded press prizes in collaboration with the Freedom of Expression Foundation, Oslo.
“The media's situation is disquieting in several Eastern European countries,“ says Theo Sommer, Editor-at-Large at DIE ZEIT and chair of the jury for the press prizes: “In Eastern Europe, independent journalism is still under constant pressure and suspicion – the media are persecuted, oppressed and channelled in one direction. All State power ought to accommodate, protect and respect the diversity of journalistic media“.
Several prizes are made available each year for newspapers or Internet media, including at least one for a medium in Russia. In addition, special prizes are usually awarded to journalists.
The prizes for newspapers are for amounts of up to EUR 40 000, and to journalists, EUR 10 000. The prize laureates themselves decide how the money will be spent, as long as it benefits the individual newspaper or journalist.
Call for applications 2012
The press prizes are earmarked for newspapers, Internet media and journalists from Russia, Belarus, the Ukraine, Georgia and South Caucasus. The foundations would like to express their support for newspapers and journalists in larger cities as well as for regional media aimed at strengthening the press in rural areas.
The newspapers are to demonstrate broad editorial initiatives in at least three areas, one of which should be foreign policy. They should be able to demonstrate balanced coverage of political, cultural, economic and social affairs. They must show a commitment to democracy, international understanding and freedom of expression. The newspapers must have been published for at least one year, and be able to demonstrate a circulation of at least 5000 copies at the time the nominations are submitted.
Nominations, accompanied by explanations of the reasons for the nominations, will be accepted until 24 October 2011, and newspaper or sample articles should be attached (contact address: The Fritt Ord Foundation, Bente Roalsvig and Irina Waage, Uranienborgveien 2, NO-0258 Oslo). Nominations must contain information about the publisher, editorial board, circulation statistics and the newspaper's history, as well as an evaluation of the newspaper. A newspaper may not nominate itself.
The decisions are taken by an independent jury consisting of Dr Falk Bomsdorf, Munich; Prof. Dr. Jo Groebel, Berlin; Gro Holm, Oslo; Stefanie Schiffer, Berlin; Dr Theo Sommer, Hamburg; Vibeke von Sperling, Oslo/Copenhagen; Michael Thumann, Istanbul; Reinhard Veser, Frankfurt am Main.
The public utility ZEIT Foundation was founded in 1971 by Gerd Bucerius. Its objective is to promote the development of the civil society. The ZEIT Foundation's programme areas encompass "Science and Research", "Art and Culture", and "Knowledge and Education". The flagships among the Foundation's commitments are the Bucerius Law School in Hamburg and the arts venue known as the Bucerius Kunst Forum, located in the heart of that Hanseatic city.
The prizes will be awarded on 23 May 2012 in Hamburg.
Prize laureates in 2011:
Russia
Nadira Isaeva, Editor-in-Chief ChernovikThe weekly newspaper Chernovik from Machatschkala in the Republic of Dagestan in North Caucasus writes, among other things, about special assignments handled by the militia and the security forces, criticising their methods and examining questionable methods used to fight the war on terror. The editorial board also writes critically and constructively about the authorities' commercial transactions. The newspaper has repeatedly been accused and received threats of closure due to alleged extremism and protest. The prize is EUR 20 000. The weekly newspaper was nominated by the Norwegian Union of Journalists, Norwegian PEN, Human Rights House, Oslo, and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. Website: www.chernovik.net
Natalja IvanishinaThe journalist Natalya Ivanishina works at the newspaper Ust-Ilimskaya Pravda in the Siberian city of Ust-Ilimsk in Irkutsk. She mainly covers news from the judicial system and the courts. She undertakes independent journalistic investigations of court cases and legal proceedings. Ivanishina writes about individuals who are embroiled in legal red tape and covers stubborn cases of criminal persecution and corruption in the judicial system and among the authorities. The prize is EUR 10 000. She was nominated by Albina Bezzubenko, attorney-at-law.
Azerbaijan
Zamin HajiThe journalist Zamin Haji writes for the newspapers Yeni Müsavat and Azadliq, among others. Haji makes fearless efforts to promote freedom of expression and democratisation. His articles, analyses and shrewd columns deal with misruling, the abuse of power and corruption cases. He is considered one of the country's best investigative journalists, and is famous for his ironic, somewhat sarcastic style. He has been subjected to countless sanctions and personal assaults. The prize is EUR 10 000. He was nominated by Shahvalad Chobanoglu, Baku, Human Rights House, Oslo, and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee.
Armenia
Karine Asatryan, Editor-in-Chief A1+The news portal A1+ covers the activities of the opposition, the government's work and parliamentary events. The journalists devote a great deal of attention to social problems, the situation in the regions and civilian organisations. A1+ delivers independent assessments and commentaries, and their direct broadcasts on the Internet are relevant and nuanced. The prize is EUR 10 000. The news portal was nominated by Human Rights House, Oslo, and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. Website: www.a1plus.am
Belarus
Maryna KoktyshThe journalist Maryna Koktysh writes for the newspaper Narodnaja Volja in Minsk, where she is deputy editor-in-chief. Koktysh covered all the main highlights of the presidential election in December 2010. With alacrity, she criticised the undermining of democratic and legal principles. Her strength lies in conducting interviews. She carries on conversations about social policy and personal topics with everyone from critics of the regime to government representatives. Despite massive pressure, she refuses to be silenced. The prize is EUR 10 000. She was nominated by the German embassy in Minsk.
Ukraine
Natalja LigachovaThe journalist Natalja Ligachova works for the Internet newspaper Telekritika in Kiev. Telekritika is a forum for discussions about freedom of the press, professional standards, press ethics, human rights and journalistic solidarity. Ligachova observes and analyses media trends, and she writes independently and in a well-balanced manner about the Ukrainian media landscape. By virtue of its role as gatekeeper, Telekritika is an important voice in Ukraine. The prize is EUR 10 000. She was nominated by Markus Löning of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Berlin. Website: www.telekritika.ua
Prize laureates 2010
Mikhail Beketov was editor and founder of the local newspaper Khimkinskaya Pravda, in which he wrote, for example, a series of articles about preserving the forest lands in Khimki (a suburb of Moscow), while the local authorities were building a new motorway from St. Petersburg to Moscow. After receiving threats for his journalistic activities, Beketov was assaulted and beaten in 2008. He was disabled and became an invalid as a result of the attack. Beketov was nominated by the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the Human Rights House Foundation, Oslo. The prize is EUR 10 000.
Arsenjevskije Vesti is a weekly newspaper published in the Primor region of Vladivostok. The newspaper reports independently, analytically and courageously on controversial topics such as corruption and smuggling. Arsenjevskije Vesti is also a champion of the rights of the individual. In the past, the newspaper's premises have been set on fire and, on several occasions, its computers have been confiscated. The newspaper was nominated by the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the Human Rights House Foundation, Oslo. The prize is EUR 15 000.
In Belarus, Borisovskije Novosti, the dynamic district newspaper and the largest regional newspaper in the country first and foremost presents local news. Despite pressure from the State and persecution, the newspaper provides critical, independent coverage of political issues. The weekly newspaper was nominated by Andrej Dynko, Nasha Niva, Sergej Satsuk, Ejednevnik, Irina Vidanava and Rodger Potocki, Director for Europe and Eurasia, National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Washington, D.C. The prize is EUR 15 000.
The journal Liberali from Tbilisi has very quickly carved out a position as one of the most influential printed media in Georgia. The journal presents relevant political discussions, for example, on changes in voting rights or on the conflict in Abkhazia. The journal was nominated by the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the Human Rights House Foundation, Oslo. The prize is EUR 10 000.
The investigative journalist Shahvalad Chobanoglu, Baku, writes critical columns and revealing articles for opposition newspapers, not least about the links between government and the oligarchy. His journalism is distinguished by thoroughness, professionalism – and irony. Chobanoglu was nominated by Azer Ahmadov, Azadliq and Natiq Gavadli. The prize is EUR 10 000.
The only independent Azerbaijani TV-medium ANTV Online TV, Baku, airs features one cannot see on State-operated TV. Featuring chat fora and blogs in connection with a variety of topics, the medium communicates a realistic picture of Azerbaijan. ANTV was nominated by the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the Human Rights House Foundation, Oslo. The prize is EUR 10 000.
The journalist Edik Baghdasaryan, Jerevan, is the publisher of the Internet newspaper Hetq Online and founder of the NGO Investigative Journalist – both of which are intended to foster independent journalism in Armenia. He writes astutely and matter-of-factly about topics of scientific, political and social relevance. Baghdasaryan was nominated by Marianna Grigoryan. The prize is EUR 10 000.
Press Prizes for Russia and Eastern Europe
The Fritt Ord Foundation, Oslo, and the ZEIT Foundation, Hamburg, cooperate to award press prizes to journalists and media in Russia and Eastern Europe. The press prizes are intended to support the independent role of journalists, despite reprisals and financial difficulties, to encourage them not to be intimidated by censorship and to resist self-censorship.
Quality, professionalism and courage are qualities that distinguish the journalists who receive the Gerd Bucerius Free Press of Eastern Europe Award and the Freedom of Expression Foundation's Press Prize for Russia. Since 2000, the ZEIT Foundation has awarded prizes to newspapers and journalists who strive to promote a free press, free speech and liberal civil societies in the transition states of Eastern Europe. Since 2004, the ZEIT Foundation has awarded press prizes in collaboration with the Freedom of Expression Foundation, Oslo.
“The media's situation is disquieting in several Eastern European countries,“ says Theo Sommer, Editor-at-Large at DIE ZEIT and chair of the jury for the press prizes: “In Eastern Europe, independent journalism is still under constant pressure and suspicion – the media are persecuted, oppressed and channelled in one direction. All State power ought to accommodate, protect and respect the diversity of journalistic media“.
Several prizes are made available each year for newspapers or Internet media, including at least one for a medium in Russia. In addition, special prizes are usually awarded to journalists.
The prizes for newspapers are for amounts of up to EUR 40 000, and to journalists, EUR 10 000. The prize laureates themselves decide how the money will be spent, as long as it benefits the individual newspaper or journalist.
Call for applications 2012
The press prizes are earmarked for newspapers, Internet media and journalists from Russia, Belarus, the Ukraine, Georgia and South Caucasus. The foundations would like to express their support for newspapers and journalists in larger cities as well as for regional media aimed at strengthening the press in rural areas.
The newspapers are to demonstrate broad editorial initiatives in at least three areas, one of which should be foreign policy. They should be able to demonstrate balanced coverage of political, cultural, economic and social affairs. They must show a commitment to democracy, international understanding and freedom of expression. The newspapers must have been published for at least one year, and be able to demonstrate a circulation of at least 5000 copies at the time the nominations are submitted.
Nominations, accompanied by explanations of the reasons for the nominations, will be accepted until 24 October 2011, and newspaper or sample articles should be attached (contact address: The Fritt Ord Foundation, Bente Roalsvig and Irina Waage, Uranienborgveien 2, NO-0258 Oslo). Nominations must contain information about the publisher, editorial board, circulation statistics and the newspaper's history, as well as an evaluation of the newspaper. A newspaper may not nominate itself.
The decisions are taken by an independent jury consisting of Dr Falk Bomsdorf, Munich; Prof. Dr. Jo Groebel, Berlin; Gro Holm, Oslo; Stefanie Schiffer, Berlin; Dr Theo Sommer, Hamburg; Vibeke von Sperling, Oslo/Copenhagen; Michael Thumann, Istanbul; Reinhard Veser, Frankfurt am Main.
The public utility ZEIT Foundation was founded in 1971 by Gerd Bucerius. Its objective is to promote the development of the civil society. The ZEIT Foundation's programme areas encompass "Science and Research", "Art and Culture", and "Knowledge and Education". The flagships among the Foundation's commitments are the Bucerius Law School in Hamburg and the arts venue known as the Bucerius Kunst Forum, located in the heart of that Hanseatic city.
The prizes will be awarded on 23 May 2012 in Hamburg.
Prize laureates in 2011:
Russia
Nadira Isaeva, Editor-in-Chief ChernovikThe weekly newspaper Chernovik from Machatschkala in the Republic of Dagestan in North Caucasus writes, among other things, about special assignments handled by the militia and the security forces, criticising their methods and examining questionable methods used to fight the war on terror. The editorial board also writes critically and constructively about the authorities' commercial transactions. The newspaper has repeatedly been accused and received threats of closure due to alleged extremism and protest. The prize is EUR 20 000. The weekly newspaper was nominated by the Norwegian Union of Journalists, Norwegian PEN, Human Rights House, Oslo, and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. Website: www.chernovik.net
Natalja IvanishinaThe journalist Natalya Ivanishina works at the newspaper Ust-Ilimskaya Pravda in the Siberian city of Ust-Ilimsk in Irkutsk. She mainly covers news from the judicial system and the courts. She undertakes independent journalistic investigations of court cases and legal proceedings. Ivanishina writes about individuals who are embroiled in legal red tape and covers stubborn cases of criminal persecution and corruption in the judicial system and among the authorities. The prize is EUR 10 000. She was nominated by Albina Bezzubenko, attorney-at-law.
Azerbaijan
Zamin HajiThe journalist Zamin Haji writes for the newspapers Yeni Müsavat and Azadliq, among others. Haji makes fearless efforts to promote freedom of expression and democratisation. His articles, analyses and shrewd columns deal with misruling, the abuse of power and corruption cases. He is considered one of the country's best investigative journalists, and is famous for his ironic, somewhat sarcastic style. He has been subjected to countless sanctions and personal assaults. The prize is EUR 10 000. He was nominated by Shahvalad Chobanoglu, Baku, Human Rights House, Oslo, and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee.
Armenia
Karine Asatryan, Editor-in-Chief A1+The news portal A1+ covers the activities of the opposition, the government's work and parliamentary events. The journalists devote a great deal of attention to social problems, the situation in the regions and civilian organisations. A1+ delivers independent assessments and commentaries, and their direct broadcasts on the Internet are relevant and nuanced. The prize is EUR 10 000. The news portal was nominated by Human Rights House, Oslo, and the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. Website: www.a1plus.am
Belarus
Maryna KoktyshThe journalist Maryna Koktysh writes for the newspaper Narodnaja Volja in Minsk, where she is deputy editor-in-chief. Koktysh covered all the main highlights of the presidential election in December 2010. With alacrity, she criticised the undermining of democratic and legal principles. Her strength lies in conducting interviews. She carries on conversations about social policy and personal topics with everyone from critics of the regime to government representatives. Despite massive pressure, she refuses to be silenced. The prize is EUR 10 000. She was nominated by the German embassy in Minsk.
Ukraine
Natalja LigachovaThe journalist Natalja Ligachova works for the Internet newspaper Telekritika in Kiev. Telekritika is a forum for discussions about freedom of the press, professional standards, press ethics, human rights and journalistic solidarity. Ligachova observes and analyses media trends, and she writes independently and in a well-balanced manner about the Ukrainian media landscape. By virtue of its role as gatekeeper, Telekritika is an important voice in Ukraine. The prize is EUR 10 000. She was nominated by Markus Löning of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Berlin. Website: www.telekritika.ua
Prize laureates 2010
Mikhail Beketov was editor and founder of the local newspaper Khimkinskaya Pravda, in which he wrote, for example, a series of articles about preserving the forest lands in Khimki (a suburb of Moscow), while the local authorities were building a new motorway from St. Petersburg to Moscow. After receiving threats for his journalistic activities, Beketov was assaulted and beaten in 2008. He was disabled and became an invalid as a result of the attack. Beketov was nominated by the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the Human Rights House Foundation, Oslo. The prize is EUR 10 000.
Arsenjevskije Vesti is a weekly newspaper published in the Primor region of Vladivostok. The newspaper reports independently, analytically and courageously on controversial topics such as corruption and smuggling. Arsenjevskije Vesti is also a champion of the rights of the individual. In the past, the newspaper's premises have been set on fire and, on several occasions, its computers have been confiscated. The newspaper was nominated by the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the Human Rights House Foundation, Oslo. The prize is EUR 15 000.
In Belarus, Borisovskije Novosti, the dynamic district newspaper and the largest regional newspaper in the country first and foremost presents local news. Despite pressure from the State and persecution, the newspaper provides critical, independent coverage of political issues. The weekly newspaper was nominated by Andrej Dynko, Nasha Niva, Sergej Satsuk, Ejednevnik, Irina Vidanava and Rodger Potocki, Director for Europe and Eurasia, National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Washington, D.C. The prize is EUR 15 000.
The journal Liberali from Tbilisi has very quickly carved out a position as one of the most influential printed media in Georgia. The journal presents relevant political discussions, for example, on changes in voting rights or on the conflict in Abkhazia. The journal was nominated by the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the Human Rights House Foundation, Oslo. The prize is EUR 10 000.
The investigative journalist Shahvalad Chobanoglu, Baku, writes critical columns and revealing articles for opposition newspapers, not least about the links between government and the oligarchy. His journalism is distinguished by thoroughness, professionalism – and irony. Chobanoglu was nominated by Azer Ahmadov, Azadliq and Natiq Gavadli. The prize is EUR 10 000.
The only independent Azerbaijani TV-medium ANTV Online TV, Baku, airs features one cannot see on State-operated TV. Featuring chat fora and blogs in connection with a variety of topics, the medium communicates a realistic picture of Azerbaijan. ANTV was nominated by the Norwegian Helsinki Committee and the Human Rights House Foundation, Oslo. The prize is EUR 10 000.
The journalist Edik Baghdasaryan, Jerevan, is the publisher of the Internet newspaper Hetq Online and founder of the NGO Investigative Journalist – both of which are intended to foster independent journalism in Armenia. He writes astutely and matter-of-factly about topics of scientific, political and social relevance. Baghdasaryan was nominated by Marianna Grigoryan. The prize is EUR 10 000.
Nadira Isaeva, Editor-in-Chief Chernovik
Natalja Ivanishina
Zamin Haji
Karine Asatryan, Editor-in-Chief A1+
Maryna Koktysh
Natalja Ligachova
Prizes