Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
Applications are now open for the Fetisov Journalism Awards 2026, a global competition recognizing exceptional journalism that promotes peace, civil rights, investigative reporting, and environmental awareness. With a total prize fund of CHF 520,000, the awards are open to professional journalists, media organizations, and freelance journalists worldwide.
About the Awards
The Fetisov Journalism Awards (FJA) celebrate impactful journalism that contributes to positive social, political, economic, and environmental change. The competition honors reporting that demonstrates high professional standards, ethical journalism practices, and meaningful public impact.
The awards recognize journalists whose work promotes truth, accountability, human rights, peacebuilding, and environmental protection.
Prize Information
The total prize fund for the 2026 competition is CHF 520,000.
Prize amounts in each category are:
- First Place: CHF 100,000
- Second Place: CHF 20,000
- Third Place: CHF 10,000
There are no application or submission fees.
Award Categories
Entries may be submitted in one of the following categories:
- Outstanding Contribution to Peace
- Contribution to Civil Rights
- Outstanding Investigative Reporting
- Excellence in Environmental Journalism
Applicants may submit only one reporting or series of reportings in a single competition category.
Evaluation Criteria
Publications will be assessed based on:
- Accuracy and factual reliability
- Independence and editorial integrity
- Impartiality and fairness
- Humanity and ethical responsibility
- Transparency
- Promotion of ethical journalism principles
- Positive social, political, economic, or environmental impact
- Quality and accuracy of translation where applicable
The jury will focus on both journalistic excellence and the real-world impact of the reporting.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to:
- Professional journalists
- Freelance journalists
- Media representatives
- Journalism organizations
- News and media platforms
Self-nominations are permitted.
A journalism organization or media platform may nominate a maximum of three reportings or series of reportings.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, publications must:
- Have been published between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026
- Appear in printed media and/or on media websites
- Not exceed 15,000 words
- Be submitted in English or include a professional English translation
- Be provided in PDF format
- Not exceed 10 MB in file size
The competition does not accept:
- Films
- Videos
- Audio recordings
- Unpublished works
Submission Requirements
Applications must include:
- A PDF copy of the publication
- English translation (if the original work is in another language)
- Consent letter when nominated by a third party
- Consent letter when the work was produced by multiple authors
All required documents must be submitted according to the competition guidelines.
Why These Awards Matter
The Fetisov Journalism Awards recognize journalism that drives meaningful change and highlights issues of global importance. By rewarding courageous and impactful reporting, the competition encourages journalists to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards.
The awards also provide international recognition and substantial financial support to journalists working on critical issues affecting societies around the world.
How to Apply
- Select the competition category that best matches your reporting.
- Confirm that the publication was released during the eligible period.
- Prepare the publication in PDF format.
- Arrange a professional English translation if necessary.
- Obtain any required consent letters.
- Complete the application and submit all supporting documents before the deadline.
Tips for a Strong Submission
- Choose reporting with clear public impact and measurable outcomes.
- Ensure facts, sources, and evidence are thoroughly verified.
- Highlight the significance of the issue addressed.
- Submit a high-quality English translation if required.
- Follow all formatting and submission requirements carefully.
- Demonstrate ethical and independent journalism practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply for the Fetisov Journalism Awards?
Professional journalists, freelance journalists, media representatives, and journalism organizations are eligible to apply.
What is the total prize fund?
The total prize fund is CHF 520,000.
Can journalists nominate themselves?
Yes. Self-nominations are allowed.
What types of publications are eligible?
Printed media articles and publications published on media websites during the eligibility period.
Are videos or documentaries eligible?
No. Films, videos, and audio recordings are not accepted.
What is the maximum word limit?
Publications must not exceed 15,000 words.
Can previous winners apply again?
Prize winners must refrain from participating in the competition for the next three years, unless they apply as part of a team consisting of ten or more people.
Conclusion
The Fetisov Journalism Awards 2026 offer one of the world’s most prestigious opportunities for journalists to gain international recognition and substantial financial rewards for impactful reporting. With awards of up to CHF 100,000 per category, the competition highlights outstanding journalism that promotes peace, civil rights, accountability, environmental protection, and positive social change.
For more information, visit Fetisov Journalism Awards.
