THE True Story Foundation, in partnership with Reportagen Festival Bern, seeks entries to its True Story Award, which aims to provide recognition for exceptional written reports in all countries.
Works can be submitted in nine languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Persian, Portuguese and Chinese.
Works written in other languages must be translated into English and submitted in the categories “Europe,” “World I” or “World II.”
The True Story Award 2025 will be presented to authors in three categories: True Story Award Research which recognises the quality of journalistic research, taking into account the extent of the research, time invested and country-specific circumstances; True Story Award Storytelling which recognises a reporter’s writing talent, taking into account journalistic craftsmanship, truthfulness and narrative elegance.
In addition, the True Story Award Impact that recognises the impact of a report, taking into account the country-specific relevance of a text and its potential impact on society, politics and the economy, will also be presented.
Texts of 3,000 to 17,000 words published in print or online between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, are eligible.
Journalists worldwide can enter this international contest.
The organisers say, “A total of 36 journalists will receive an invitation to attend the True Story Award ceremony and the True Story Festival in Bern, Switzerland, which will take place from 20 to 22 June 2025.
“The main purpose of the award is to bring journalists from all over the world together and enable an exchange with audiences in Bern”.
The winner in each category will be awarded with US$20,000.
The deadline for the submission of application is October 22, 2024. Interested applicants can apply here.
Blessing Otoibhi is a Multimedia Journalist and Anchor host for the News in 60 seconds at The International Center For Investigative Reporting. You can shoot her a mail via [email protected] or connect on Twitter @B_otoibhi