According to the Latvian Association of Journalists (LŽA), investigative reporting, regional journalism, and front-line war coverage dominated the annual journalism excellence awards, which honored work published from June to July. The association evaluated 180 submissions before selecting winners across multiple categories, highlighting reporting on institutional misconduct, regional struggles, and the ongoing human cost of the war in Ukraine.
Investigative Reporting and Regional Journalism Honors
In the investigative and analytical category, TV3 “Nekā personīga” journalist Ilze Jaunalksne-Rēdere secured the top prize for her story series titled “Kokrūpnieku lieta,” according to event announcements. Regional journalism recognition went to “Vaduguns” newspaper journalist Sanita Karavoičika for her work “Vai bez vainas vainīgais…?”.
Meanwhile, the interview category award went to Aidis Tomsons for his work on the Latvian Radio broadcast “Krustpunktā,” featuring an interview with entrepreneur Armands Broks. The description category prize was awarded collaboratively to Dace Kokle, Armands Rudzītis, Ivans Milovs, Māris Justs, Uģis Jakubāns, Edmunds Rimšāns and Līvija Tilgase for the LSM documentary film “Ļauj man būt.”
Did you know? The annual LŽA excellence awards evaluated a total of 180 submitted entries from both association members and independent media workers.
Recognizing New Talent, Editing, and Visual Storytelling
Anna Apīne of “Delfu” earned the “Gada jauno žurnālisti” title for her investigative piece “Viņš to sauca par dziedināšanu. Sievietes atklāj pusaudžu gados pieredzēto ar mācītāju Eimani,” which detailed women’s accounts of past experiences with a pastor. In the editing department, Iveta Lepeško won “Gada redaktoru” for work on the LSM broadcast “Izvēle Nr. 1.”
Visual and digital storytelling also received high honors. Rūta Kesnere claimed the “Gada atviltotājs” award for the LETA project “Aiz priekškara.” In the “Zelta kadrs” category, LETA photographer Edijs Pālens won for his striking photograph capturing Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladislavu Heraskeviču.
Special Awards for Courage and Lifetime Achievement
The Inta Brikše Award for significant contribution to journalism was presented to Skaidrīte Lasmane. Additionally, the LŽA special award “Par drosmi” was given to Laine Skvorcova, according to the association’s disclosures.
A separate special award acknowledging courage, endurance, and self-denial in reporting the reality of the war in Ukraine went to several reporters and camera operators. The recipients include Gints Amoliņš, camera operator Ingus Graudiņš, Odita Krenberga, camera operator Aigars Kovaļevskis, Indra Sprance, Ina Strazdiņa, camera operator Ingus Graudiņš, and Ieva Vārna. These media workers documented the front lines and the ongoing consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time period do the LŽA excellence awards cover?
The awards recognize outstanding journalism and achievements published from June to July.
How many submissions were received for consideration?
Organizers received a total of 180 applications from association members and other interested media professionals.
Who won the special award for reporting on the war in Ukraine?
Special awards for front-line war coverage were given to Gints Amoliņš, Ingus Graudiņš, Odita Krenberga, Aigars Kovaļevskis, Indra Sprance, Ina Strazdiņa, and Ieva Vārna.
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