The One World Media Awards are made possible thanks to the generous support of our partners
Celebrating underreported stories from around the world.
The One World Media Awards are an opportunity to have your work recognised amongst the best in global journalism.
The One World Media Awards recognise the best media coverage of the global south. Stories that break through stereotypes, change the narrative and connect people across cultures.
Each year, hundreds of entries from all over the world are judged by our panels of distinguished professionals, carefully selected from the media and non-profit sectors for their wide ranging experience and expertise.
Key Dates:
Open for entries: 4 Jan
Close for entries: 8 February
Longlist announced: 27 March
Nominees announced: 2 May
Awards ceremony: 26 June
“Winning the One World Media International Journalist of the Year award is extraordinary. It has brought so much attention to my work as a journalist. But I’m excited at the fact that more people now show interest in what’s going on in the vulnerable and dangerous places in Africa I’ve reported about.”
Philip Obaji Jr, 2023 winner of the International Journalist of the Year Award
The awards celebrate work across 15 categories and a wide range of media platforms, spotlighting the year’s best media coverage of underreported stories from around the world.
“Getting this recognition from OWM inspires us to continue our work covering “sacrifice zones”, places where profits are put before human rights, health, and the climate, and where people’s voices are too often silenced or ignored.”
Jess Kelly & Owen Pinnell of BBC News Arabic, 2023 winners of the Television Documentary Award
“For us it’s an honour to be at One World Media among so many other great filmmakers and to see our voices amplified throughout this award. We are beyond thrilled.”
Juliana Curi, winner of the 2023 Feature Documentary Award
Previous Winners
Since their inception in 1988, the One World Media Awards have recognised the work of over 1000 journalists and filmmakers highlighting stories from around the world on a range of issues.
For a filmmaker or journalist working in any medium who has made the most outstanding contribution to international journalism during the past year.
Entrants can be based anywhere in the world. You should submit a maximum of four examples of work in any medium or mixture of mediums: TV or radio reports, film clips, videos, print articles, online articles from established online publications or websites.
Duration: If submitting multiple radio or TV/film pieces or clips, the total combined duration of these pieces must not exceed 30 minutes.
Please note that entrants who have entered this category in previous years are eligible to enter again as long as new work is submitted.
For a young filmmaker or journalist working in any medium, 32 years of age or under as of 14th February 2018, who has made a substantial contribution to international journalism during the year.
Entrants can be based anywhere in the world. You should submit a maximum of four examples of work in any medium or mixture of mediums: TV or radio reports, film clips, videos, print articles, online articles from established online publications or websites.
Duration: If submitting multiple radio or TV/film pieces or clips, the total combined duration of these pieces must not exceed 30 minutes.
Please note that entrants who have entered this category in previous years are eligible to enter again as long as new work is submitted.
For a factual journalistic programme broadcast on television or online, either standalone or one episode from a series, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.
Duration: Entries to this category can be up to one television hour in length.
Please note that entire series/seasons cannot be accepted as a single entry.
For an audio feature, podcast, or single programme from a series, broadcast on radio or online, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.
Duration: Entries to this category must not exceed 60 minutes.
Please note that entire series/seasons cannot be accepted as a single entry. Programmes in any language can be entered, however a transcription in English must be provided.
For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, print or film, that deals with any aspect of corruption in or related to the developing world, including investigative reports and features that show the effects of corruption on individuals or society.
Corruption is defined as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, including everything from grand larceny to petty bribery.
Please note that entire series/seasons cannot be accepted as a single entry.
For a feature article (750 words or longer) published in print or online that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world. This may include specialist features such as sport, music, food and health.
Please note that judges will consider only one feature article per entry. If the article is part of a larger series, please use the synopsis to give context, but do not include the entire series. Several individual articles from the same series can be submitted as separate entries if desired.
For websites, interactive online features, apps, interactive documentaries and other digital technologies that use creative and innovative techniques and content to extend knowledge and understanding of, and engagement with, the developing world.
For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, print or film, that covers refugee and asylum-seeker issues by telling compelling stories that generate empathy, understanding and are reported on accurately and fairly.
For a piece of media, including film, radio, digital or print, made by a student as part of a journalism or filmmaking course at a university or film school that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.
The work entered must have been completed within the qualifying period for entries and must be the same work that was submitted to the course, not a re-edited or updated version.
For a piece of media, including broadcast, digital, print or film, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world through creative treatment of an issue. The media should reach a wider audience potentially less familiar with developing countries and issues and help to provide a more accurate, balanced perspective.
This may include entertainment programmes, dramas, docu-dramas, formats, sports coverage, comedies, reality shows and popular print features.
For an independent media organisation based in a developing country using media to address social, cultural, political and economic issues. The Award seeks to recognise and encourage outstanding reporting that informs the public, provides an outlet for local people’s voices, creates a space for critical information and holds those in power to account.
For details on eligibility and how to enter the Special Award, please click here.
For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, print or film, that explore the relationship between people and the planet. In particular, we are interested in these areas: changing cities, climate change, energy, environmental health, environmental justice, food, water, wildlife and zero waste. However, any environmental topic or angle related to developing countries will be considered.
For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, print or film, that accurately portrays issues related to children in conflict zones by telling compelling stories that generate empathy and understanding.
For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, print or film, that accurately portrays issues related to children in conflict zones by telling compelling stories that generate empathy and understanding.
For websites, interactive online features, apps, interactive documentaries and other digital technologies that use creative and innovative techniques and content to extend knowledge and understanding of, and engagement with, the developing world.
For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, print or film, that explore the relationship between people and the planet. In particular, we are interested in these areas: changing cities, climate change, energy, environmental health, environmental justice, food, water, wildlife and zero waste.
For a young filmmaker or journalist working in any medium, 32 years of age or under as of 13th February 2020, who has made a substantial contribution to international journalism during the year.
For a piece of media, including broadcast, digital, print or film, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world through creative treatment of an issue. The media should reach a wider audience potentially less familiar with developing countries and issues and help to provide a more accurate, balanced perspective.
For an audio feature, podcast, or single programme from a series, broadcast on radio or online, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.
For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, print or film, that covers refugee and asylum-seeker issues by telling compelling stories that generate empathy, understanding and are reported on accurately and fairly.
For a short film that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world. The short film must be between 5 and 40 minutes.
For a feature article (750 words or longer) published in print or online that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world. This may include specialist features such as sport, music, food and health.
For a factual journalistic programme broadcast on television or online, either standalone or one episode from a series, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.
For a piece of media, including film, radio, digital or print, made by a student as part of a journalism or filmmaking course at a university or film school that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the developing world.
For an independent media organisation based in a developing country using media to address social, cultural, political and economic issues. The Award seeks to recognise and encourage outstanding reporting that informs the public, provides an outlet for local people’s voices, creates a space for critical information and holds those in power to account.
For a factual journalistic programme broadcast on television or online, either standalone or one episode from a series, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the global south.
For media, including broadcast, digital, audio, film or print, that explores women’s entrepreneurship in the global south. Reporting can showcase stories of successful female entrepreneurs, the challenges women face in trying to grow their businesses, and/or the critical role that women entrepreneurs play in economic development by boosting growth and creating jobs.
For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, audio, print or film, that covers refugee and asylum-seeker issues by telling compelling stories that generate empathy, understanding and are reported on accurately and fairly.
For websites, interactive online features, apps, interactive documentaries and other digital technologies that use creative and innovative techniques and content to extend knowledge and understanding of, and engagement with, the global south.
For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, audio, print or film, that explores the relationship between people and the planet. In particular, we are interested in these areas: changing cities, the climate crisis, energy, environmental health, environmental justice, food, water, wildlife and zero waste.
For a piece of media, including broadcast, digital, audio, print or film, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the global south through creative treatment of an issue. The media should reach a wider audience potentially less familiar with global south and help to provide a more accurate, balanced perspective.
For a feature article (750 words or longer) published in print or online that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the global south. This may include specialist features such as sport, music, food and health.
For an audio feature, podcast, or single programme from a series, broadcast on radio or online, that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the global south.
For a short documentary film that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the global south. The short film must be between 5 and 40 minutes.
For an independent media organisation based in the global south using media to address social, cultural, political and economic issues. The Award seeks to recognise and encourage outstanding reporting that informs the public, provides an outlet for local people’s voices, creates a space for critical information and holds those in power to account.
For a piece of media, including film, radio, digital or print, made by a student as part of a journalism or filmmaking course at a university or film school that deals with stories, topics or issues in, about or related to the global south.
For a young filmmaker or journalist working in any medium, 32 years of age or under as of 16th February 2022, who has made a substantial contribution to international journalism during the year.
For media, including broadcast, digital, audio, film or print, that explores women’s solutions in the global south. Reporting can showcase stories of women who successfully contributed to tackle challenges faced by women and society at large: solutions to improve women’s financial and economic inclusion, solutions that address the impact of climate change and protect the environment, solutions that increase access to education and health care, or solutions that empower women.
For a piece of media, including broadcast, online, audio, print or film, that covers refugee and asylum-seeker issues by telling compelling stories that generate empathy, understanding and are reported on accurately and fairly.
For websites, interactive online features, apps, interactive documentaries and other digital technologies that use creative and innovative techniques and content to extend knowledge and understanding of, and engagement with, the global south.
For media, including broadcast, digital, audio, film or print, that explores women’s solutions in the global south. Reporting can showcase stories of girls and women who successfully contributed to tackle challenges faced by women and society at large: solutions to improve women’s financial and economic inclusion, solutions that address the impact of climate change and protect the environment, solutions that increase access to education and health care, or solutions that empower girls and women.
For innovative screen based media that covers a story or topic from the global south. The Award recognises creative and innovative techniques and content that extends knowledge and understanding of the topic, and engages with audiences. Entries should be using new technologies and platforms, such as TikTok, gaming, data, VR, AR, XR or AI.
(formerly the International Journalist of the Year Award)
For a freelance filmmaker or journalist who has made the most outstanding contribution to stories from the global south during the year. The Award recognises consistent, impactful reporting that brings a story to audiences in a compelling way. Entrants can be working in any medium, including news, online, audio, print or film.
For a film, programme or investigation that covers a story or topic in the global south. The Award recognises impact, exclusive content and considered analysis of a current affairs issue. Entries can include a specific episode of a strand or a topical, news-led documentary.
(Please note that that former category ‘Popular Features’ has now merged with the Print Award)
For a feature article published in print or online that covers a story or topic in the global south. The Award recognises impact, exclusive content or new perspectives. Entries must be articles of 750 words or longer.
For media, produced by a student as part of a journalism or filmmaking course at a university or film school that deals with stories or topics in the global south. The Award recognises creative and compelling storytelling.
For a short documentary film that deals with stories or topics in the global south. The Award recognises impact and storytelling that is character-driven and creative. Entries must be between 5 and 40 minutes.
For media that tells stories about people’s experience as refugees, migrants or when seeking asylum. The Award recognises compelling stories that generate empathy, understanding and are reported on accurately and fairly. Entries can be in any medium, including news, online, audio, print or film.
For an audio feature, podcast, or single programme from a series, that covers a story or topic in the global south. The Award recognises impact, and stories that have a compelling narrative. Entries should be broadcast on radio or online.
For a written, audio or video news report that covers a story or topic in the global south. The Award recognises exclusive content or an investigation that led the news agenda. Entries can be online, broadcast or in print.
For a young filmmaker or journalist who has made a substantial contribution to stories from the global south during the year. The Award recognises impactful storytelling that brings a story to audiences in a compelling way. Entrants should be 32 years of age or under as of 16th February 2024 and can be working in any medium, including news, online, audio, print or film.
For media that explores the relationship between people and the planet in the global south. The Award recognises impact and creativity in telling an environmental story. Entries should cover at least one of these areas: urban development, climate crisis, energy, environmental health, environmental justice, food, water, wildlife and zero waste. Entries can be in any medium, including news, online, audio, print or film
For a feature-length documentary film that covers a story or topic in the global south. The Award recognises impact and storytelling that is character-driven and creative. Entries must be more than 60 minutes long.
For media that explores women’s solutions in the global south. The Award recognises empowering stories of girls and women who successfully tackled challenges faced by women and society at large, such as: women’s financial and economic inclusion, addressing the impact of the climate crisis, increasing access to education, healthcare or democracy. Entries can be in any medium, including news, online, audio, print or film.
(formerly the International Journalist of the Year Award)
For a filmmaker or journalist working for a media organisation who has made the most outstanding contribution to stories from the global south during the year. The Award recognises consistent, impactful reporting that brings a story to audiences in a compelling way. Entrants can be working in any medium, including news, online, audio, print or film.
(formerly the Special Award. This Award is free to enter)
For an independent media organisation based in the global south using media to address social, cultural, political and economic issues. The Award recognises outstanding reporting that informs the public, provides an outlet for local people’s voices, creates a space for critical information and holds those in power to account.
