February 3, 2024
Kabul - The Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) is pleased to announce the call for applications for the prestigious 2024 'Afghanistan Journalist of the Year' Award. This prestigious award, which has been held since 2014, aims to recognize and promotes excellence and innovation in journalism in Afghanistan who have made a significant impact on the field of journalism in the country.
Purpose
The Afghanistan Journalist of the Year Award celebrates an Afghan journalist or group of journalists, including reporters, photojournalists, presenters, columnists, and editorial writers, whose work has focused on untold development-focused stories from Afghanistan and on Afghans. It aims to promote excellence and creativity in the field of journalism.
Award criteria:
- Investigative reports that have led to positive change and prompted authorities to take action in resolving an issue.
- Reports or innovative media activities that have improved the overall media and reporting landscape in Afghanistan, inspiring new generations of journalists in the country and showcasing innovation in their main area of expertise.
- Reports or innovative media activities highlighting situations that are often overlooked by mainstream media.
- Specific reports and media activities addressing peace and human rights topics, particularly the rights of women and children.
- Reports or media activities from Afghanistan that have garnered international media coverage.
Eligibility
The competition is open to Afghan media organizations based inside Afghanistan and exiled media, as well as Afghan journalists in print, online, broadcast, or multimedia who create content targeting Afghan audiences.
- Applicants must have previous work experience with either Afghan or international media organizations.
- Entrants are allowed to provide only one piece of work, by file and URL. If the work is a TV or radio program, the translation of its script must be provided. Along with the submission, a short CV or biography is required.
- All submitted works must be in one of the national languages, which include Persian/Dari and Pashto. Additionally, works in the English language will also be accepted.
- Only Afghan citizens are eligible to participate in this competition.
- Entries must consist of work that has been published or broadcasted between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023.
The deadline for submissions is February 21, 2024, at 23:59 Kabul Time. Only entries received by the deadline will be considered. Entries can be submitted by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The organizing committee will verify that the entry is accompanied by all necessary documentation and send a confirmation email within 24 hours after submission. The submission will be considered complete only after the confirmation email is sent.
Judging process
A panel of judges, comprising respected individuals with suitable competencies in journalism, appointed by the board of the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC), will preside over the competition. The judging process will be coordinated by the award’s chairperson, who will ensure balanced representation in terms of gender, geography, and areas of expertise. Judges will independently select their preferred choices and then convene either in-person or virtually to present their nominations. In case of a tie, the judges will make a decision through discussion followed by a vote.
Prize
The winner/s will receive a prize of 1,000 USD and be honored at the National Journalist Day event on March 18, 2024.