Winners of first global journalism prize named in Bern

There were more than 900 submissions to the True Story Award from reporters in more than 90 countries. Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

The winners of the first-ever True Story Award were announced during a ceremony at the Reportagen Festival in Bern on Saturday. Three journalists from three countries were given top honours for their exceptional and courageous reporting.

Journalist Shura BurtinExternal link was awarded first prize and CHF30,000 ($30,270) for his profile of Chechen human rights activist Oyub Titiyev, who was imprisoned on fabricated charges.

His report Monitor 1External link, first published in the Russian-language paper Meduza, was commended for its excellent narrative and the unexpected way it shined a spotlight on a forgotten war.

Second prize went to the American journalist Mark Arax for A Kingdom from DustExternal link – a sweeping, in-depth investigation into the world of agribusiness in California. Arax was recognised for weaving social themes such as climate change, water resources and California history into the narrative.

Chinese journalist Du Qiang received the third spot for The Vagabond ClubExternal link, capturing the lives of a rebellious group of migrant workers in Shenzhen. Qiang’s report was “the most surprising story of all the entries” according to the jury and was praised for the way it captured an unknown aspect of society.

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Chinese journalists must adapt their reports to the viewpoint of the Chinese government. (All images Dahai Shao) Dahai Shao, Swissinfo.ch

Chinese journalist Du Qiang received third prize for The Vagabond Club, which captured the lives of a rebellious group of migrant workers in Shenzhen. Dahai Shao, Swissinfo.ch

Multilingual swissinfo.ch was a media partner for the Reportagen Festival. Dahai Shao, Swissinfo.ch

Reporter Ba Rui told the story of a Shanghai brothel owner who held more than a dozen young women captive for 12 years, forcing them to work as prostitutes. Until two of them escaped. Dahai Shao, Swissinfo.ch

Seven judges, one moderator and one polar bear on stage for the first ‘True Story Award’ in Bern on August 31. Dahai Shao, Swissinfo.ch

Balloons advertising the Reportagen Festival in Bern. Dahai Shao, Swissinfo.ch

All the entries were turned into a drama and performed in front of the audience. Dahai Shao, Swissinfo.ch

The audience follows a discussion. Dahai Shao, Swissinfo.ch

Journalist Shura Burtin (left) was awarded first prize and CHF30,000 for his profile of Chechen human rights activist Oyub Titiyev. Dahai Shao, Swissinfo.ch

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The winners were chosen from 39 nominees who were selected from more than 900 submissions from 98 countries in 21 languages. All nominees were invited to the Reportagen Festival taking place on August 30-September 1, of which 36 are attending and sharing their stories throughout the weekend.

The True Story AwardExternal link is the first global journalism prize. It aims to recognise quality journalism and make reporters’ voices known beyond the borders of their home countries and in doing so to increase the diversity of perspectives offered in the media.

Winners were chosen by an eight-member jury from eight countries that evaluated submissions based on their depth of research, the quality of the journalism and social relevance.