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The Hostwriter Creators Prize 2025


donated by Otto Sprenger Foundation


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FAQs
Photo credit: Charlotte Draycott

The Hostwriter Creators Prize 2025: An Open Call for Multimedia Journalists

Are you a news creator and a journalist? If you have produced compelling collaborative news or documentary in video and film format or content for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, X, Youtube Shorts or LinkedIn, and are part of the Hostwriter network, we invite you to apply for the Hostwriter Creators Prize 2025.

If you're not yet a member, it's free to join. Become part of our global network of over 7,500 journalists in 164 countries who collaborate and share opportunities to amplify stories across borders.

This prize recognizes content creators who produce impactful multimedia stories. We're looking for news explainers, documentaries, or analysis created within the last year that reaches audiences on new media platforms.

A panel of judges will assess the quality and impact of your work. The winners will be awarded a cash prize. The entry period is now open, so don't miss this opportunity to share your work with us.

The Prize

Why the Creators Prize?

Journalism is evolving, and so are we. As audiences shift to social media and personality-driven content, the need for independent and collaborative storytelling is more critical than ever. The Hostwriter Creators Prize 2025 celebrates the journalists who are innovating to meet this challenge.

Who can apply?

We are looking for impactful multimedia works, including documentary news films, video explainers, with cross-border collaboration.

All entries must have been researched and published between August 1, 2024, to August 1, 2025.

Award Categories & Prizes

1

The Story Prize 2025


This award recognizes outstanding collaborative news reportage, news documentaries or news interviews in video and film format or live streams.


Who can apply?

  • You published a cross-border story between August 31, 2024, and August 31, 2025
  • more than one hostwriter journalist has contributed
  • You used Hostwriter in some way for this story and/or all collaboration partners are existing members of Hostwriter
  • 2.500 €/1st   1.000 €/2nd   500 €/3rd
  • Apply
2

The Digital Explainers Prize 2025


This prize is for journalists producing exceptional explainer videos on platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Reels, X, and LinkedIn.


Who can apply?

  • Individuals or teams who have published content between August 31, 2024, and August 31, 2025
  • Special Note: We especially encourage journalism students and recent graduates to apply.
  • 500€ x 4
  • Apply

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 26 of October, 2025
Winners Announced: End of 2025

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