The Kurt Schork Memorial Fund (KSMF) is now accepting submissions for its 13th annual awards in international journalism.
The awards that was established in 2002, were created in honour of American freelance journalist Kurt Schork, who was killed in 2000 while on assignment for Reuters in Sierra Leone.
The prestigious awards recognize the work of reporters who seek to illuminate the human condition through courageous reporting of conflict, corruption, human rights transgressions and other key issues.
Annually, a winner is chosen in two categories: the first recognises the often unacknowledged work of local reporters in developing nations or countries in transition who write about events in their homeland.
The other is for freelance journalists who travel to the world’s news hotspots, often at great personal risk and little protection, to witness and report the impact and consequences of events.
Last year’s winner of the Freelance category, Beirut-based Rania Abouzeid, says: “These awards, unlike so many, focus on freelancers and local journalists and appreciate the particular difficulties we face. It can feel very lonely out there sometimes, and while we don’t do what we do for acclaim, it’s nice to know that the Kurt Schork Memorial Fund recognizes our contributions and the extra burdens we face.”
The 2013 Local Reporter winner, Fiona Xiao-Mi Tam, says the award “is one of the most important recognitions in my career, a huge encouragement for local reporters from developing countries who often face harassment and violence.
When today’s news organisations have to focus on profitability much more than ever, the Kurt Schork Award is one of a few prizes that emphasizes good journalism and courageous reporting.”
The award in each category is US$5,000 to be presented at a prestigious ceremony in London (UK) on Thursday, October 30.
Entrants must submit three articles each – published between June 1, 2013 and May 31, this year.
Judges will expect high-calibre writing and evidence of special determination and courage in obtaining the story. Since 2009, the awards ceremony has been hosted by Thomson Reuters Foundation in London. The deadline for entries is May 31st. Further details about eligibility and entry criteria, together with an online submission form and FAQ, can be found on the KSMF website at: www.ksmfund.org