The theme of the 2024 Development Journalism Prize was democracy and freedom of expression. The winners are Tommi Nieminen and Sami Kero for their article “Maapallon mahtavin vaalisirkus” (Helsingin Sanomat).
The article travels through Indian metropolises and explores citizens' views on Indian elections. Citizens from different levels of society have a chance to vote: those in power, slum dwellers, doctors and Hindu priests.
"An extensive information package and a great selection of interviewees from different levels of society. The article complements the news coverage on the subject. This enlightening article taught a lot of new lessons to those who are active in the field of democracy," the jury said, explaining its choice.
The reasoning also includes the future of news coverage of India. Will the Finnish media be able to afford to overshadow India in the future, or should the media try to cover India more widely?
"A fine and enlightening overview of the parliamentary elections in the world's largest country. The story did a great job of opening up Indians' views on current politics and what issues and questions will decide the Indian elections. The story also features a wide range of people from different backgrounds, which gives it a diverse spirit."
The prize is 3000 euros.
Honorary award to Maailman Kuvalehdelle
The jury also gave one honorary award. The Honorary Award is given to Maailman Kuvalehti for excellence in global journalism. The magazine is seen to strengthen freedom of expression and democracy through a diverse range of topics and perspectives that enrich the societal debate.
Two articles nominated for the award motivated choosing Maailman Kuvalehti. The first article deals with the situation of trans women in Indonesia. The second article contributes to the understanding of the impact of the climate crisis on the people of Pulau Pari Island.
Levi Vepsä and Alia Warganegara's article uses the story of Mami Yul, an Indonesian woman, to explore the educational opportunities for trans women in a religious country where education is the key to acceptance. Levi Vepsä's piece on the island of Pulau Pari, sheds light on the everyday difficulties of people who fear losing their homes as a result of the climate crisis. "Our homes are sinking. Where do we live?" the piece asks.
“Maailman Kuvalehti offers interesting, exciting and timely perspectives not found in commercially funded media. Media published by organisations are vulnerable to funding decisions. Dwindling public support may reduce the diversity of stories. Public support is important to continue to provide new perspectives that complement mainstream media coverage and increase understanding of the world around us," the panel motivates.
The panellists thank Maailman Kuvalehti for relevant grassroots global journalism.
Annual acknowledgment for global journalism
This is the fifth time the Development Journalism Award has been presented. The winner was selected by an independent jury. The jury members were Anu Juvonen (Demo Finland), Benjamin Suomela (Yle), Esa Reunanen (University of Tampere), Kaius Niemi (Reporters Without Borders Finland) and Minna Pye (Yle Ulkolinja).
The Finnish Red Cross, the Foundation for Development and Cooperation Vikes, Helsingin Sanomat Foundation and the Union of Journalists in Finland have established the Development Journalism Award to highlight high-quality and innovative journalistic publications on global issues and to increase the visibility and appreciation of Finnish development journalism.
Further information
Tiina Helin
Communications Specialist
Vikes
[email protected]
+358 40 125 0346
Minttu-Maaria Partanen
Communications Specialist
The Finnish Red Cross
[email protected]
040 587 0032
