Applications are open for the 2025 Global Shining Light Award, recognizing investigative journalism done under the most challenging conditions. Apply below:
When is the Application Deadline:
The application deadline is February 28, 2025.
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Tell Me About The Global Shining Light Award:
The Global Shining Light Award, presented every two years by the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN), honors outstanding investigative journalism carried out under threat, duress, or in the direst conditions in a developing or transitioning country. The 2025 edition is open to investigative stories published or broadcast between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024. This prestigious award celebrates journalists who expose corruption, wrongdoing, and systemic issues while facing intimidation, violence, imprisonment, or other threats.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
Investigative Journalism
Type:
Award
Who can Apply for the Global Shining Light Award?
The eligibility criteria include:
- Originated in and affected a Global South country;
- Was broadcast or published between January 1, 2023 and December 31, 2024;
- Was of an investigative nature;
- Uncovered an issue, wrongdoing, or system of corruption which gravely affected the common good;
- And did so in the face of arrest, imprisonment, violence against them and their families, or threats and intimidation.
How are Applicants Selected?
An international panel of judges, consisting of investigative journalism experts, will decide on the winner. The judges, in their discretion, may select more than one winner to recognize outstanding work.
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Which Countries Are Eligible?
All developing or transitioning countries in the Global South.
Where will the Award be Taken?
The award will be presented at the 2025 Global Investigative Journalism Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
How Many Awards?
There are two award categories:
- Small & Medium Outlets – Organizations with 20 or fewer staff members, including freelancers.
- Large Outlets – Organizations with more than 20 staff members.
The judging panel may select multiple winners.
What is the Benefit of the Global Shining Light Award?
Additionally, the benefits include:
- An honorary plaque.
- A cash prize of US$2,500 for the top winners.
- A fully funded trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to accept the award at the 2025 Global Investigative Journalism Conference, attended by hundreds of journalists worldwide.
How to Apply:
- Submit an online application.
- Provide links to investigative work or upload files to a file-sharing platform.
- If the submission is not in English, include a detailed summary or transcript in English.
Visit the official application webpage to begin.
