Financial journalism awards - Criteria overview

Recognising excellence and exceptional financial journalism on the African continent since 1974. The awards are judged according to the following criteria:

  • Balance or fairness:

    Stories must strive for balance and present all sides of the story. On fairness, the story should be accurate and truthful, and not slant in any way.

  • Insight, analysis, or examination of the context of the story.

    This includes the journalist having probed the questions "why" and "how" behind the story.

  • Originality

    An idea and/or its importance, originality of subject, originality of execution, initiative, illuminating, surprising news angle.

  • Relevance and public impact 

    Benefit of the story, includes relevance to community, public service impact, effect on society, challenges and shows value/utility for the reader/listener/viewer.

  • Reporting rigour 

    References to information gathering, depth of research or number of sources, thoroughness of reporting, new information and factual detail.

  • Writing and/or storytelling techniques

    Writing/broadcasting quality, engagement and emotional impact, vivid presentation, compelling/captured attention, structure/architecture, creativity, style or flair, voice, and narrative technique.

The top awards

The independent judging panel selects the winners of the top awards through a rigorous nomination and evaluation process.

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