The Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU) has opened applications for the 2026 SLRU Best Reporting Awards, an initiative aimed at recognising journalistic excellence, promoting ethical standards, and celebrating outstanding reporters across Sierra Leone.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place during the SLRU Annual General Meeting (AGM), which will be held from November 26 to 28, 2026, in Bo, Southern Sierra Leone.
The awards seek to recognise journalism that informs the public, promotes transparency, and contributes to national development. They cover 14 categories across general and specialised reporting.
The general reporting categories are Best Radio Report of the Year, Best Television Report of the Year, and Best Newspaper Report of the Year.
The specialised categories include Best Investigative Report, Best Anti-Corruption Report, Best Finance and Economic Report, Best Politics and Governance Report, Best Parliamentary Report, Best Court Report, Best Health Report, Best Environment Report, Best Gender Report, Best Human-Interest Report, and Best Sports Report.
The competition is open to journalists currently working with recognised media institutions in Sierra Leone. Eligible entries must be original reports published or broadcast between January 1 and October 31, 2026.
Journalists may submit entries in multiple categories, provided they complete separate applications for each category. Entries will be assessed based on accuracy, fairness, balance, investigative quality, public-interest impact, and adherence to professional ethics.
Applicants are also required to submit a statement of no more than 300 words explaining the report’s public-interest value, significance, and societal impact.
The deadline for submissions is October 31, 2026.