EU Prize for Journalism winners in Georgia revealed

The European Union in Georgia has awarded the winners of the EU Prize for Journalism 2018 in six categories covering print, broadcast, online, and photo journalism.

The European Union Monitoring Mission presented a special prize for conflict-sensitive journalism contributing to confidence building and peace. The winner in this category was Nikoloz Gabishvili.

Through this award we want to encourage reporting of a high professional standard on conflict issues as well as journalism that builds bridges between divided communities - thereby contributing to reconciliation and conflict resolution,” Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission in Georgia Erik Høeg said.

The winners of the EU Prize for Journalism 2018 are:

• Best story in print or online media: Mariam Abesadze (co-author: Nino Lomadze)
• Best feature story in broadcast or online media: Lela Kuntchulia (Co-author Shio Khidasheli)
• Best investigative story /feature in print, online, or broadcast media: Sopo Zurabiani (Co-authors David Gelenidze / David Maisuradze / Nodar Meladze)
• Best online or print blog, opinion or column in print or online media: Nana Takvarelia
• The most innovative and original piece of work in print, online or broadcast media: Nino Bakradze (Co-authors Nino Lomadze, Nino Japiashvili)
• Best documentary photo reflecting EU values: Nino Baidauri

Professional, impartial and informative journalism is key for a democratic and pluralistic society. We remain committed to supporting quality journalism and freedom of the press in Georgia,” the Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, Carlo Natale said at the award ceremony last night.

The winners of the first six categories received a cash prize of up to 3800 GEL each, while the winner of the EUMM Special Prize will receive a one month fellowship at the Institute of War and Peace Reporting in London.

All works were reviewed by a three-member jury. Entries for the contest had to have been published/broadcast/posted between 2 November 2017 and 15 October 2018 in Georgian, English or Russian.