Global Indigenous journalism finalists announced for 2026 WIBN Journalism Excellence Award

Global Indigenous journalism finalists announced for 2026 WIBN Journalism Excellence Award

APTN is sharing this press release on behalf of the World Indigenous Broadcasters Network (WIBN).

Auckland, NZ — The World Indigenous Broadcasters Network (WIBN) has announced the six finalists for the 2026 WIBN Journalism Excellence Award, recognising outstanding Indigenous journalism from across its global network.

Selected from a strong international field, this year’s finalists represent Indigenous media organisations from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Taiwan, Sápmi, and Canada. Their work reflects the depth, courage, and cultural integrity that continues to define Indigenous journalism worldwide.

The finalists are:

• Angel Moore (APTN – Canada)
  Hunters Mountain Series
• Hsu Li-ling (Hakka TV – Taiwan)
  Learning with the Land – Hakka Communities
• Johan Ante Utsi (NRK Sápmi – Norway)
  The Predator Project
• John-Paul Janke (NITV – Australia)
  The Point: “I Am Not My Addiction”
• Jessica Tyson (Whakaata Māori – Aotearoa New Zealand)
  Seabed mining Taranaki debate: Economic bloom or environmental blow?
• Umas Suqluman (Taiwan Indigenous Television – TITV)
  Landslide Dam Disaster: A Record of Tribal Rescue Efforts

The award recognises Indigenous journalists whose work demonstrates excellence in storytelling, cultural integrity, and public accountability across the global Indigenous media landscape.

WIBN Chair Shane Taurima said the calibre of entries this year reflects the strength and evolution of Indigenous journalism internationally.

“What we are seeing across these finalists is Indigenous journalism at its most powerful — grounded in community, led by Indigenous voices, and unafraid to take on the issues that matter most. Across our global network, Indigenous journalists are not just reporting stories, they are shaping narratives, protecting truth, and strengthening the future of their languages, cultures, and communities. This award recognises that leadership and the impact it is having both within Indigenous communities and across wider public conversations.”

An independent panel of experienced Indigenous journalists, editors, and media leaders assessed entries against criteria including storytelling and narrative impact, journalism quality and rigour, cultural integrity, innovation, and public impact.

Judges noted the overall strength of this year’s entries, highlighting the depth of storytelling, the authenticity of Indigenous perspectives, and the ability of finalists to navigate complex issues with clarity, balance, and cultural grounding.

Across the finalist group, the judging panel recognised:

• powerful storytelling rooted in lived experience and community voice
• journalism that challenges dominant narratives and centres Indigenous perspectives
• strong cultural integrity and accountability to the communities represented
• innovation in storytelling across platforms and formats

The selected works span a wide range of issues — from disaster response and environmental protection to public health, cultural knowledge, and Indigenous rights — demonstrating the breadth and relevance of Indigenous journalism today.

The winner of the 2026 WIBN Journalism Excellence Award will be announced at the WIBN Conference in Sápmi, Norway in September 2026.

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Media Contact:
Jo Santamaria
Coordinator, WIBN
jo@nztv.co.nz

About WIBN
The World Indigenous Broadcasters Network (WIBN) is a global alliance of Indigenous media organisations. WIBN connects broadcasters across regions including Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Taiwan, and Sápmi, supporting collaboration, content sharing, and the strengthening of Indigenous storytelling and journalism worldwide.

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