Deadline: 31-Aug-2026
The 4th Mercantil Journalism Prize is accepting entries from journalists across Brazil for outstanding reporting focused on financial longevity, financial inclusion, and quality of life for people aged 50 and above. The award recognizes journalism that promotes informed discussions on ageing, financial planning, public policies, and the growing social and economic importance of older adults.
With a total prize pool of R$80,000, the competition rewards impactful journalistic work across print, digital, television, radio, podcast, and videocast formats.
About the Prize
- The award celebrates excellence in journalism focused on ageing and financial wellbeing.
- It encourages reporting that promotes a positive and respectful view of ageing.
- The initiative seeks to increase public understanding of financial longevity.
- Journalists are encouraged to explore challenges and opportunities facing people aged 50+.
- The prize highlights the importance of financial education and inclusion.
- Reporting should contribute to reducing age-based stereotypes and discrimination.
- The competition recognizes high-quality journalism across multiple media formats.
Prize Objectives
- Promote discussion on financial longevity.
- Encourage financial education and planning.
- Highlight the needs and experiences of the 50+ population.
- Increase awareness of financial inclusion challenges.
- Showcase innovative public and private initiatives.
- Support reporting on ageing and quality of life.
- Strengthen understanding of the economic role of older adults.
- Combat ageism through responsible journalism.
Priority Focus Areas
- Financial longevity.
- Retirement and long-term financial planning.
- Financial education.
- Financial inclusion.
- Income security in later life.
- Credit access and preparedness.
- Quality of life during ageing.
- Public policies for older adults.
- Private sector initiatives.
- Active and healthy ageing.
- Social participation of older adults.
- Economic contributions of the 50+ population.
- Age discrimination and inclusion.
Award Categories
Eligible entries may be submitted in:
- Print media.
- Online written media.
- Television journalism.
- Radio journalism.
- Podcasts.
- Videocasts.
Each category recognizes top-performing entries with financial awards and trophies.
Funding Information
- Total prize pool: R$80,000.
- Awards are distributed across multiple media categories.
- Winners receive monetary prizes and trophies.
- Multiple journalists may be recognized through category-based awards.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Professional journalists based in Brazil.
- Staff journalists working for established media organizations.
- Freelance journalists publishing through eligible media outlets.
- Journalists working with newspapers.
- Journalists working with magazines.
- News agency professionals.
- Online news portal contributors.
- Radio journalists.
- Television journalists.
- Journalists producing content for recognized digital video journalism channels.
Eligible Media Organizations
Submissions must be published or broadcast through organizations that have:
- Formal journalistic operations.
- Editorial structures and standards.
- Recognized news production activities.
- Established media distribution channels.
Ineligible Content
The following are not eligible:
- Institutional content.
- Academic publications.
- Corporate communication materials.
- Personal blogs.
- Independent self-publishing platforms.
- Social media posts.
- Non-journalistic content.
- Promotional or marketing materials.
Additional Restrictions
The following individuals may not participate:
- Professionals linked to Banco Mercantil.
- Close relatives of Banco Mercantil employees or associated professionals.
- Individuals who do not meet the professional journalism requirements.
What Makes a Strong Submission?
Successful entries are likely to:
- Present original reporting and investigation.
- Highlight real-life experiences of people aged 50 and above.
- Address financial and social challenges with depth and accuracy.
- Explore solutions and innovative practices.
- Use reliable data and credible sources.
- Promote balanced and respectful coverage of ageing.
- Demonstrate strong storytelling and journalistic quality.
- Contribute to public understanding of financial longevity.
Why This Prize Matters
- Populations are ageing rapidly across Brazil and globally.
- Financial security is increasingly important for older adults.
- Quality journalism helps inform public debate and policymaking.
- Financial literacy can improve long-term wellbeing.
- Positive narratives help combat stereotypes about ageing.
- Older adults play a significant social and economic role in society.
- Media coverage can drive greater inclusion and awareness.
Application Tips
- Focus on original and impactful reporting.
- Use evidence, interviews, and credible sources.
- Highlight issues affecting the 50+ population.
- Explore both challenges and solutions.
- Ensure the work was published through an eligible media outlet.
- Demonstrate relevance to financial longevity or quality of life.
- Avoid promotional or institutional content.
- Emphasize strong storytelling and public interest value.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the 4th Mercantil Journalism Prize?
- It is a journalism award that recognizes reporting on financial longevity, ageing, financial inclusion, and quality of life for people aged 50 and above.
How much funding is available?
- The total prize pool is R$80,000.
Who can apply?
- Professional journalists in Brazil who work for or publish through eligible journalistic organizations.
What topics are eligible?
- Topics include financial education, retirement planning, financial inclusion, public policies, ageing, quality of life, income security, and the economic role of older adults.
Which media formats are accepted?
- Entries may be submitted in print media, online written media, television, radio, podcasts, and videocasts.
Can content published on personal blogs or social media be submitted?
- No. Personal blogs, independent publishing platforms, and social media content are not eligible.
Are freelance journalists eligible?
- Yes. Freelancers may participate if their work was published or broadcast through an eligible journalistic organization.
Conclusion
The 4th Mercantil Journalism Prize offers an important opportunity for journalists across Brazil to spotlight issues related to financial longevity, ageing, and quality of life for the 50+ population. Through a total prize pool of R$80,000, the award recognizes impactful journalism that informs public debate, promotes financial inclusion, and encourages a more positive and respectful understanding of ageing in society.
For more information, visit Banco Mercantil.
