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The Hostwriter Prize


donated by Otto Sprenger Foundation


About
FAQs
Photo credit: Charlotte Draycott

Hostwriter's annual award for outstanding collaborative journalism is open for entry!

The stories must have been written, researched and published by July 31st, 2023.

The Prize

The prizes

There are two Hostwriter Prize categories. The Story Prize is for collaborative pieces researched and published by July 31st, 2023. The Pitch Prize is open to journalists with an excellent idea for a story that would be realized with at least one other collaboration partner or more.

The application deadline was August 31, 2023, and winners will be publicly announced in November 2023. Applications are closed now.

1

Story Prize


The Hostwriter Story Prize awards exemplary works of journalistic collaboration. It's open to teams of two or more journalists who have worked on a story together and have used Hostwriter in some way during the research or all are existing members of Hostwriter. The three winning collaborative stories will be awarded 1000€ each.


  • Published by July 31st, 2023
  • More than one journalist has contributed
  • Used Hostwriter in some way for this story and/or all collaboration partners are existing members of Hostwriter
  • 1.000 € x 3
  • Apply
2

Pitch Prize


The Hostwriter Pitch Prize is awarded to a team of journalists with an excellent story idea yet to be realized with the help of Hostwriter. We strongly encourage journalism students and recent graduates to apply as well. The two winning teams will each receive 1500€ for their projects.


  • Collaborative story aimed for publication
  • More than one journalist will contribute
  • Plans of using Hostwriter for research and to find collaborators for the story
  • 1.500€ x 2
  • Apply
James-Ojo

“This has been my most challenging investigative work due to the risks involved. During my trip to Benin Republic, I was almost arrested by security operatives while trying to expose how fuel is being smuggled and those behind it.
I am glad we were able to deliver the report despite the odds. This is a testament of Hostwriter's belief in collaboration for impact.”

James Ojo - Hostwriter Story Prize winner

Nathalie Bertrams

“Thanks to Hostwriter, my co-author Lorraine and I have already collaborated on two stories. One on refugee deportations and this entry on transgender rights.”

Nathalie Bertrams, Hostwriter Story Prize winner

Daniel Bates

“Our project about global displacement was initiated through Hostwriter. All participants from Johannesburg, Lagos, Manila, Nairobi and New York first connected through the platform.”

Daniel Bates, Hostwriter Pitch Prize winner

FAQ

What do you mean by collaborative journalism?

We look for work that shows how two or more journalists have collaborated together to realize a story that goes deeper than would have been possible solo.

Does the piece have to be in English?

We accept pieces that have been published in every language. If your piece is not in English, please submit an appropriate translation in your application.

Can I submit all media formats?

Yes. We accept journalistic entries from all media and are also open to new formats. We particularly encourage video or television pieces, as the donor Otto Sprenger worked in television for the German public broadcaster NDR.

Do I have to be a member of Hostwriter to apply?

Yes. The Hostwriter Prize is meant to encourage cross-border collaborations through our network. All team members for the story must be members of Hostwriter.

Our piece will not be published by the deadline. Can we still apply?

No. If the piece will not be published by the deadline, you can always apply for the next round of the Hostwriter Prize.

My project is not online, can I send it to you via email?

Yes. If your piece is not online you can send a pdf to us via email to prize@hostwriter.org

Who donates the money for the Hostwriter Prize?

The prize money is donated by the Otto Sprenger Stiftung. The foundation honors the work of journalist Otto Sprenger through supporting collaboration in journalism and social engagement. Find out more here.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us via prize@hostwriter.org