Deadline: 07-Aug-2026
The Anti-Slavery Day Media Awards recognise UK-based media professionals for high-quality journalism and storytelling on modern slavery and human trafficking. The awards highlight responsible reporting, survivor-centred narratives, and impactful investigative and broadcast journalism that raises public awareness of exploitation issues.
This is a recognition-only programme and does not provide grant funding.
About the Awards
- The awards celebrate journalism on modern slavery and human trafficking.
- Coverage can include written, broadcast, audio, and investigative formats.
- Entries must reflect work published or broadcast in the UK media sector.
- The programme promotes ethical and survivor-respecting storytelling.
- It recognises excellence in reporting, research, and narrative impact.
- Nominations are submitted by third parties, not self-submitted.
Programme Focus Areas
- Modern slavery and human trafficking reporting.
- Investigative journalism on exploitation networks.
- News reporting on forced labour and trafficking cases.
- Broadcast storytelling through TV, film, and documentaries.
- Podcast and audio journalism on exploitation themes.
- Survivor-centred reporting and ethical storytelling practices.
- Public awareness and education on trafficking risks.
- Policy-relevant journalism and accountability reporting.
Key Objectives
- Promote accurate and responsible reporting on modern slavery.
- Encourage survivor dignity and ethical representation in media.
- Improve public understanding of trafficking and exploitation.
- Support investigative journalism that exposes hidden abuses.
- Highlight innovative storytelling approaches in journalism.
- Strengthen media accountability in reporting sensitive issues.
- Increase visibility of anti-slavery efforts through media platforms.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible participants include:
- Journalists working in UK media organisations.
- Writers and editors producing news or feature content.
- Producers and directors in broadcast media.
- Investigative reporters and documentary creators.
Submission requirements:
- Work must be published or broadcast between 1 July 2025 and 30 June 2026.
- Nominations must be submitted by someone other than the nominee.
- Entries must include nominee details and published work links.
- Submissions must fall into defined categories such as:
- Opinion writing
- News reporting
- Investigative journalism
- Broadcast media (film, podcast, TV)
Assessment Criteria
Submissions are evaluated based on:
- Ethical representation of survivors and affected communities.
- Accuracy and depth of research.
- Clarity and quality of storytelling.
- Originality and innovation in reporting approach.
- Impact of the work on public awareness and understanding.
- Contribution to discussions on modern slavery and trafficking.
- Overall journalistic excellence and professionalism.
Funding Information
- No financial grant is provided.
- This is a recognition-based awards programme.
- Winners are acknowledged at the annual Anti-Slavery Day Awards Ceremony.
- Recognition highlights contributions to ethical journalism and awareness raising.
Nomination Process
- Nominations are submitted by third parties.
- Self-nominations are not permitted.
- Required details include:
- Name of nominee
- Media organisation
- Title of the work
- Link to published or broadcast content
- Category of submission
- Eligible work must fall within the specified publication period.
Why This Award Matters
- Modern slavery is often underreported or misrepresented in media.
- Ethical journalism helps protect survivor dignity and safety.
- Investigative reporting can expose hidden exploitation networks.
- Media coverage plays a key role in public awareness and prevention.
- Responsible storytelling supports stronger policy and accountability.
- Recognition encourages higher standards in sensitive reporting.
Key Outcomes
- Improved quality of reporting on trafficking issues.
- Greater ethical awareness in journalism practices.
- Increased public engagement with modern slavery issues.
- Recognition of impactful investigative work.
- Strengthened media contribution to human rights awareness.
- Encouragement of survivor-centred journalism approaches.
Conclusion
The Anti-Slavery Day Media Awards provide a platform to recognise outstanding UK journalism on modern slavery and human trafficking. By celebrating ethical, accurate, and impactful reporting, the awards reinforce the role of media in exposing exploitation, supporting survivors, and strengthening public understanding of one of the most serious human rights challenges globally.
For more information, visit Human Trafficking Foundation.
