IPI and IMS announce 2026 recipients of World Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer awards

This year’s awardees demonstrate remarkable courage, ingenuity, and resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges to freedom and independent journalism around the world

11 trailblazing organisations shortlisted for 2026 IPI-IMS Free Media Pioneer Award

This year’s global group of shortlisted organisations serve as a testament to the resilience of independent media amid turbulent times

IPI honours courage in journalism with Press Freedom Hero and Free Media Pioneer awards

Seven journalists recognized for their fearless reporting; Hungary’s independent media honoured for resilience and innovation in the face of growing pressure

Hungary’s independent media honoured with 2025 IPI-IMS Free Media Pioneer Award

Award ceremony to take place this week at IPI's 2025 World Congress in Vienna

Spotlight: Imprisoned Georgian journalist Mzia Amaglobeli named 2025 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero

Mzia Amaglobeli is a symbol of resilience in the face of rising authoritarianism

Spotlight: Veteran U.S. journalist Martin Baron named 2025 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero

Undeterred by institutional resistance, Martin “Marty” Baron’s principled approach to public interest journalism has driven key conversations about public policy

Spotlight: Mariam Abu Dagga posthumously named 2025 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero

Killed by an Israeli strike, photojournalist Mariam Abu Dagga exemplifies the remarkable courage and determination of Palestinian journalists bringing the world the truth

Spotlight: Peruvian journalist Gustavo Gorriti named 2025 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero

Despite authorities’ attempts to silence him, Peruvian investigative journalist Gustavo Gorriti’s battle for transparency continues

Spotlight: Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai named 2025 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero

The media empire Jimmy Lai built sought to challenge the dominant narrative. Now he’s being punished for it.

Spotlight: Victoria Roshchyna posthumously named 2025 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero

Victoria Roshchyna’s legacy fuels calls for urgent action to free Ukrainian journalists in Russian captivity

Spotlight: Ethiopia Insider founder Tesfalem Waldyes named 2025 IPI-IMS World Press Freedom Hero

Despite constant government pressure, Tesfalem Waldyes has dedicated his career to preserving a space for independent, public interest journalism in Ethiopia