Criteria
The Golden Pen of Freedom recognises the outstanding action, in writing or deed, of an individual, a group or an institution in the cause of press freedom.
We accept posthumous award nominations in exceptional circumstances.
This is a media industry award, and as such, we restrict nominations to media professionals and professional media organisations producing journalistic output, or to organisations with direct links to the professional media.
Nominations
Nominations for the Golden Pen of Freedom are welcome at any time. Nominations can be submitted by WAN-IFRA members and non-members alike according to the award criteria laid out below.
There are no limits to the number of candidates you may propose. Multiple submissions from the same source(s) for a particular candidate will not be accepted, and will not influence the decision to award the nomination. You are welcome to re-submit your candidate proposal the following year should they not receive the nomination.
- You must specify who is nominating the proposed candidate.
- We ask you to provide a summary of why you are nominating the proposed candidate
- We also ask for any links to relevant work or supporting documentation.
Nominations can be submitted here.
Simultaneously, WAN-IFRA seeks suggestions from trusted partner organisations and its advisory boards.
Key dates
The formal nomination process begins in January of each calendar year and runs to the end of February. During this time, WAN-IFRA Media Freedom compiles a longlist comprising all received nominations and other relevant and appropriate candidates.
By the end of February, the nomination process is officially closed, and no further candidates will be accepted for consideration for that year’s Golden Pen. The longlist of candidates is finalised and submitted to the Board of the World Editors Forum for their review and consideration.
Selection process
At its Q1 meeting, the Board of the World Editors Forum formally approves the longlist of candidates put before it. The Board proceeds to discuss the proposed candidates to identify either:
- A standalone nomination (in the case there is unanimity)
- A shortlist of candidates
An official vote involving all World Editors Forum Board members is then called. This is conducted via email to ensure maximum participation on a first-choice candidate/second-choice candidate basis within a short deadline.
At the passing of the deadline for eligible votes, a laureate is proclaimed based on a simple majority of first-choice votes received. In the event of a tie, second-choice votes are considered. In the unlikely event of a further tie, the World Editors Forum president may choose to either convene an extraordinary Board meeting to discuss the matter further or move to cast a deciding vote to break the impasse.
Once formally approved, the choice of candidate (or candidates, in the case of a joint award) selected by the Board of the World Editors Forum is communicated to the WAN-IFRA Supervisory Board for final approval.
A silence period is entered, during which WAN-IFRA Supervisory Board members may raise issues or concerns, provide feedback or express support for the laureate. It is understood that tacit approval is granted if, by the passing of the deadline, no communication has been forthcoming.
The laureate is then informed, and arrangements are made for the award ceremony held at the annual World News Media Congress.
Previous laureates
WAN-IFRA has been awarding the Golden Pen of Freedom since 1961. See the complete list of Golden Pen of Freedom laureates.
Confidentiality
At no time are candidate lists for the Golden Pen of Freedom made public. Candidates are not made aware that they have been nominated; only the successful laureate is informed of the choice to award them. Information about the award is kept confidential until the award ceremony, held during the World News Media Congress.