First, a massive thank you for all the submissions! We received an incredible response from journalists across the globe, showcasing truly innovative storytelling. The level of engagement and quality of work underscore the importance of supporting journalists who are defining the future of news.
The Hostwriter Creators Prize—generously donated by the Otto Sprenger Foundation— directly addresses the changes in the journalism landscape. As audiences shift to new platforms and embrace personality-driven content, the need for independent and collaborative storytelling is more critical than ever.This prize celebrates the journalists who are innovating to meet this challenge by producing impactful multimedia stories. Read here what this prize is all about: https://prize.hostwriter.org/
Meet the jury members – thank you for supporting us with your expertise and firsthand experience for selecting the winners!
To assess the quality and impact of your work, we gathered an exceptional panel of industry leaders who have now reached a conclusion.
Esra Karakaya Esra is an award-winning journalist, speaker, and media entrepreneur who is actively reshaping the media landscape in Germany. She founded KARAKAYA TALKS, an independent media platform that reaches over 2.5 million people monthly with news content designed for Millennials and Gen Zs of Color. Esra is known for breaking barriers as the first visibly Muslim host on a German broadcasting network and her work, focused on disrupting media norms and amplifying marginalized voices, has earned multiple national honors, including the Grimme Online Award.
Enrique Anarte Lazo Enrique is a Spanish journalist and news creator based in Berlin, currently working as a Multimedia LGBTQ+ Correspondent for Context, the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s media platform. He previously co-launched and led TRF’s award-winning TikTok channel Openly. Having covered queer stories from over 20 countries, he has reported for outlets including Reuters and DW. He is also recognized as one of the top EU influencers in TikTok, where he delivers news explainers on European politics, queer topics, and mis/disinformation on his personal channels. Enrique served on the jury in a private capacity, not representing Reuters.
Chude Jideonwo Chude is a renowned author, investor, TV host, filmmaker, and media entrepreneur whose career spans 25 years. As the co-founder and CEO of RED | For Africa (which was honored as African Business of the Year), he crafted strategies that fueled social movements and shaped national elections across several African nations. In 2016, he founded Joy, Inc., a human flourishing company focused on mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Chude, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, hosts the viral podcast #WithChude and was appointed Creative-In-Residence at the London School of Economics in 2024.
What´s next?
The panel has selected the winners. Please stay tuned! The winners will be notified and announced shortly.
Congratulations to all those who submitted. We look forward to celebrating the cutting edge of collaborative, digital journalism!