Newcomer of the Year - Hans Verploeg Award
The category Newcomer of the Year in Journalism recognises talented new journalists who have shown strong performance in terms of reporting the news. The nominees all demonstrate exceptional commitment to press freedom and independent coverage and use innovative methods to disseminate this information. Registration for the 2025 edition is now open.
Nominees in the category Newcomer of the Year show extraordinary dedication to journalism as a means to hold those in power accountable and to serve as a watchdog in the public interest, right from the start of their career. They manage to share stories that would otherwise be left untold. In recognition of their achievements, the winner of the Newcomer of the Year - Hans Verploeg Award will receive a media scholarship.
Previous winners of the Newcomer of the Year-Hans Verploeg Award were Aike Beyshekeeva from Kyrgyzstan (2024), Holiancar Contreras from Venezuela (2023), Antonia Cundy from Great-Britain (2022), Bhat Burhan from India (2021) and Bianca Albu from Romania (2020).
Entries are open
Do you know a promising journalist who just started reporting, but already makes a powerful impact? Someone who brings fresh perspectives, new voices, and bold reporting into the spotlight? Nominate them for Newcomer of the Year and help their talent grow on an international stage.
Free Press Live and Awards Ceremony in January 2025
Free Press Unlimited has decided to move the event up to the end of January 2026. The exact date of the award ceremony will be announced later this year.
Criteria Free Press Awards
Nominations for the awards will be judged by an independent panel of international experts. Please note the following when nominating:
- You can not nominate yourself
- When you nominate someone, make sure this person is aware and gives permission
- An entry should have sufficient examples of work to upload with the nomination
- To be eligible for the category of Newcomer of the Year, the nominee should be active as a journalist for a maximum of four years.
The winner in the category 'Newcomer of the Year' will receive a media scholarship.
