Honoring Truth-Tellers: AJK and OSCE Mission in Kosovo Host 2025 Journalism Awards

Prishtinë/Priština, 10 December 2025 - The OSCE Mission, together with the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK) and other partners, hosted tonight the traditional 2025 Annual Journalism Awards. The event honours the vital role journalists play in safeguarding democratic values, acknowledging their courage, dedication, and professionalism in informing the public and strengthening trust in the media. 

The awards span a wide range of categories, emphasizing reporting that challenges misinformation, amplifies marginalized voices, and shares narratives that connect communities while promoting transparency, accountability, and human rights. The main category includes Journalist of the Year award. 

“Tonight’s stories showcase journalism at its best, media professionals who have demonstrated their commitment to informing the public - guiding people through uncertainty, countering misinformation, and helping them understand events that shape their lives,” said Ambassador Gerard McGurk, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, as he presented the Journalist of the Year award to Agon Sinanaj from online news media Buletini Ekonomik (Economic Bulletin).

“Recognising excellence encourages high standards, innovation, and ethical reporting, especially important at a time when journalists continue to face intimidation, online harassment, political pressure, and economic challenges,” he added.

Xhemajl Rexha, Chairperson of the AJK Board, said: “We are delighted to once again award and recognize, now for the fifth consecutive year, the best among a strong pool of professional and dedicated journalists. With over a hundred stories competing for the prizes, the winners include investigations into corruption scandals, misuse of public office, as well as inspiring stories of ordinary people making a difference in their communities across various topics and areas.”

“The ceremony serves as a reminder of the crucial role that journalists and the media play in a young, thriving democracy such as Kosovo,” Rexha added. 

Other award categories include: Camera Operator of the Year, Women’s Empowerment, Reporting on Antigypsyism, Conflict-Sensitive Journalism and Dealing with the Past, Reporting on the Work of Migrant Workers, Reporting on Labour Rights, Reporting on Mental Health and Reporting on Peacebuilding and Trustbuilding.

The OSCE Mission has been a steadfast supporter of these awards for the past five years, reinforcing its commitment to media freedom, high standards, and ethical reporting. The Mission extends heartfelt congratulations to all winners and nominees for their outstanding contributions to journalism.

Winners per category:
Journalist of the Year – Agon Sinanaj, Buletini Ekonomik (Economic Bulletin)
Best Informative TV Story – Vlerë Mehmeti, KTV/Kohavision 
Best Web Story – Besarta Hoti, Nacionale.com
Camera Operator of the Year – Dituron Aliu, Betimi për Drejtësi (Oath for Justice), Altin Zejnaj, Betimi për Drejtësi (Oath for Justice) and Korab Basha, Telegrafi.com
Award for Women’s Empowerment – Adelina Ahmeti, Kallxo.com 
Reporting on Antigypsyism – Besian Beha, Nacionale.com
Conflict-Sensitive Journalism and Dealing with the Past - Sandra Cvetković and Arben Hoti, Radio Free Europe, and Blendina Veliqi, Betimi për Drejtësi (Oath for Justice)
Reporting on the Work of Migrant Workers – Afërdita Lukaj, Kanal 10 TV
Reporting on Labour Rights – Egzon Dahsyla, Kallxo.com (story aired on TV Dukagjini)
Reporting on Mental Health – Dafina Halili, Kosovo 2.0
Reporting on Peacebuilding and Trustbuilding – Doruntina Bylykbashi, RTV Dukagjini
Reporting on Climate Change and Sustainable Development - Uran Haxha, Kosovo 2.0