Foreign journalists invited to apply 5th Honest View International Media Award

Foreign journalists, independent authors, bloggers and media professionals have until October 4, 2026 to submit their work for the V International Media Award Honest View, an annual competition organized by Russia’s federal agency Rossotrudnichestvo.

The award is open to foreign journalists and authors aged 18 and above who cover Russia, its society, culture and international cooperation. Representatives of foreign media organizations working in Russia are also eligible to participate.

The 2026 edition features six categories, covering a broad range of journalistic and digital work:

1. Grand Prix — For Contribution to Objective Coverage of Russia
2. Best Material on Economic and Social Partnership
3. Culture and Traditions: A View from Abroad
4. Professional View: Genre Journalism
5. New Voice: Best Work by a Young Journalist — for journalists aged 18 to 25
6. Digital Recognition: Best Project about Russia on Social Media

The competition has recorded a significant rise in international participation in recent years. According to the organizers, the 2022 edition received 118 entries from 28 countries, while the 2025 competition attracted 821 submissions from 75 countries. Participants and winners have come from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. 

The award seeks to recognize journalistic work offering what the organizers describe as objective and comprehensive coverage of Russia and international cooperation involving the country. The competition is part of Rossotrudnichestvo’s broader international media and humanitarian cooperation initiatives. 

The 2026 competition opened for submissions on August 15, with the final deadline set for October 4. Following the submission period, entries will undergo technical review and evaluation by an expert council and jury before the winners are selected. 

The winners and laureates are expected to be invited to Moscow in November for the awards ceremony. Organizers have said that arrangements for foreign participants include travel-related support, transfers, visa assistance, accommodation and meals. 

The award’s growing international participation has made it an increasingly visible platform for journalists and independent media professionals covering Russia from outside the country. The organizers have particularly highlighted the participation of journalists from Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

Foreign journalists, authors and bloggers interested in participating can submit their work through the official Honest View website before the October 4 deadline. Applications: Honest View International Media Award⁠