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Long Island University Announces 2025 George Polk Awards in Journalism

Long Island University recently announced the recipients of the prestigious 2025 George Polk Awards, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of exceptional journalism. Out of 15 winners, nine awards were specifically directed towards crucial topics pertaining to federal policies, immigration, public health, foreign aid, and the extent of presidential power.

The George Polk Awards, established in 1949 in memory of CBS correspondent George Polk, focus on investigative and enterprising journalism that not only captures attention but also leads to tangible outcomes. This year, a distinguished panel composed of journalists and educators reviewed an impressive 492 entries from various media outlets and individuals.

Focus on Vital Issues

Among the awarded investigations, standout stories have put a spotlight on pressing global issues. For instance, coverage of the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing conflict in Gaza revealed alarming facts about mass starvation, while harrowing reports from Ukraine depicted the brutal realities of front-line combat. Other noteworthy investigations delved into the exploitation faced by East African women seeking work in Saudi Arabia and the severe consequences posed by the proliferation of massive data centers on local environments.

Spotlighting Award Winners

One of the crucial awards for Foreign Reporting recognized the efforts of Abdi Latif Dahir, Justin Scheck, and Vivian Nereim from The New York Times for their captivatingly risky exposure of circumstances leading to the deaths of domestic workers in Saudi Arabia. Similarly, ProPublica’s Anna Maria Barry-Jester and Brett Murphy received accolades for their international reporting concerning the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development, highlighting the significant negative ramifications of cutting off aid to those in dire need.

The National Reporting award honored The New York Times for its relentless scrutiny of a White House that has often operated outside established norms, producing profound investigations into exploitative practices and disregard for environmental and public health standards.

In local reporting, the story of Rümeysa Öztürk, a Turkish graduate student unjustly detained in Louisiana, earned commendation from Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio and Mark Arsenault of The Boston Globe, showing the troubling intersections of immigration enforcement and civil liberties.

Expansion of Coverage Areas

In a sign of journalism's evolving role, the award for Environmental Reporting went to the editorial team at Business Insider for their detailed examination of the impact of energy-hungry data centers. Additionally, Lizzy Lawrence of STAT brought to light the diminishing role of the FDA in safeguarding public health, producing a comprehensive series demonstrating the implications of governmental disruptions to scientific research.

The Political Reporting award was given to Andy Kroll of ProPublica for a deeply researched exposé titled The Shadow President, which presented insights into Russell Vought's significant influence on White House operations.

Special Recognitions

Among the various honors, the Photojournalism award was co-shared by freelance photographer Stephanie Keith and several Gaza-based Associated Press photographers, portraying the struggles faced by Gazans amidst food shortages. Further recognition went to CBS “60 Minutes” for its investigative piece that challenged prevailing narratives surrounding deportations to Salvadoran prisons. The award for Foreign Television Reporting recognized Mstyslav Chernov and Alex Babenko for their gripping documentary depicting the horrors of warfare in Ukraine.

Adding to the notable mentions is the 2025 Sydney Schanberg Prize, awarded to Jon Lee Anderson for his comprehensive analysis of the long-standing conflicts in Congo, and the George Polk Career Award presented to Maria Hinojosa, a groundbreaking journalist recognized for her dedication to Latino issues and storytelling through her outlet Futuro Media.

The 2025 George Polk Award winners will be celebrated in a ceremony scheduled for April 10 at Cipriani 42nd Street. Moreover, on the eve of the ceremony, a seminar will be held to discuss pressing issues related to migrant crises, featuring insights from a few award winners. This is an opportunity for the public to engage with the narratives that have shaped our world and pay homage to those who brave the frontlines of journalism.

As journalism faces both challenges and changes, the 2025 George Polk Awards serve to highlight the indispensable role of courageous reporting and an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth.

In a year filled with monumental events, it is clear that the journalism community continues to rise to the occasion, tackling the most critical issues of our time with vigor and resolve.