At a formal award ceremony in Tbilisi, the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia awarded the winners of the EU Prize for Journalism 2019 in six categories covering print, broadcast, online, and photo journalism.   In addition, the European Union Monitoring Mission presented a special prize for conflict-sensitive journalism contributing to confidence building and peace.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Carl Hartzell, Ambassador of the European Union noted: “The EU has been awarding journalism in Georgia since 2012. The aim is to inspire journalists and media towards high quality, ethical work, which is key to a vibrant democracy. We are impressed with the submissions and finalists this year, and I strongly encourage everyone to read and see the winning pieces themselves.”

Ms. Kate Fearon, Acting Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission used the occasion to underline, “In situations where unresolved conflicts and tensions remain, confidence building remains imperative. Independent, investigative media are essential in taking forward a process of discourse between people across the Administrative Boundary Lines.”

The winners of the EU Prize for Journalism 2019 are:

Best story in print or online media: Nino Tarkhnishvili

Finalists: Tamar Chikhladze (photos by Davit Pipia)

Sophio Datishvili

Dimitri Avaliani (photos by Davit Pipia)

Best feature story in broadcast or online media: Beso Gvenetadze

Finalists: Shorena Tkeshelashvili

Mzia Paresishvili

Malkhaz Rekhviashvili (co-author Levan Devadze)

Best investigative story in print, online, or broadcast media: Giorgi Mgeladze

Finalists: Nino Ramishvili (co-author Zaza Tsuladze)

Mari Dudunia

Nana Biganishvili 

Best online or print blog, opinion or column in print, online or broadcast media: Jimsher Rekhviashvili

Finalists: Alex Chighvinadze, Indigo 

Giorgi Maiuradze, Indigo

Niko Nergadze, radio Liberty 

The most innovative and original piece of work in print, broadcast or online media: Lasha Tsertsvadze

Finalists: Dato Parulava (co-author Peter Liakhov)

Tornike Mandaria

Gulgun Mametkhanova

Best documentary photo reflecting EU values: Dato Koridze

Finalist: Gela Mtivlishvili

Best conflict-sensitive journalistic work (EUMM special prize): Mamuka Kuparadze

Finalists: Tamar Shonia

Natia Parekhelashvili

Gvantsa Doluashvili

The winners of the first six categories received a cash prize of approx. 4 000 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 composed of Dachi Grdzelishvili (Deputy head of IREX M-TAG Program), Magda Memanishvili, Journalistic Program Coordinator at IBSU, associated professor and Chris Booth, Senior Producer at MediaSpeed.  

Entries for the contest had to have been published/broadcast/posted between 2 November 2018 and 15 October 2019 in Georgian, English or Russian. 

The winning works can be found at www.euprizejournalism.eu (link is external)
 

For more information please contact: 

Tamriko Mikadze / The Delegation of the European Union to Georgia / Tamriko.MIKADZE@eeas.europa.eu)

Nana Lobzhanidze/ Communication programme EU4Georgia / Public campaign coordinator / nana.lobzhanidze@landell-mills.com