Save the Children has launched its second annual Global Media Awards

Save the Children has launched its second annual Global Media Awards, an initiative dedicated to honouring exceptional journalism that champions the rights of children worldwide.

Save the Children held its inaugural Global Media Awards in 2024 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the League of Nations’ adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child – a milestone achievement spearheaded by Save the Children’s founder, Eglantyne Jebb.

Now in its second year, Save the Children’s Global Media Awards 2025 continue to honour professional journalists from around the world.

The awards honor storytelling that has played a pivotal role in uncovering and highlighting critical issues affecting children, while amplifying their voices and advocating for their rights.

Behind every powerful story about children’s rights is a journalist who chose to listen, investigate, and amplify the voices of children to drive positive change. These awards are our way of celebrating that courage and commitment,” said Belinda Goldsmith, head of the Global Media Unit at Save the Children.

“At a time when children face increasing risks around the world, the role of the media in holding those responsible for child rights violations accountable—and amplifying children’s voices—has never been more vital.”

This year’s competition features four distinct categories:
•    Written News (print and online)
•    Broadcast
•    Radio/Podcast
•    Photography

Eligibility Criteria;

• Save the Children’s Global Media Award (GMA) is open to all professional journalists aged 18 and over, except:
  • (i) individuals (and their partners and family) involved in the judging of the competition; or (ii) employees of any Save the Children office or a Trustee of Save the Children.
• Entries must be original and published/broadcast in a national, regional, or international media outlet between 31 August 2024 and 1 July 2025.
• Entrants may participate in one or both categories, but will only be awarded in one category.
• All submissions must identify who the author is and which media outlet they represent.
• All entries must be submitted in English or the original text must be accompanied by an English translation.
• Participating journalists must submit a letter from the media outlet certifying that the piece was published in their outlet and certifying the date of publication of the piece.
• All photographs entered must be the result of the photographic process using a camera.
• Submissions must be journalistically ethical, must not put children at risk, and must respect the dignity of children.
• Winners of previous Save the Children Global Media Awards are not eligible to win again.

Award Criteria

1. Relevance: 

• Compelling Storytelling: Expose a child rights issue or highlight children taking action for positive change through compelling storytelling.
• Fresh Perspective: Introduce a child rights issue to the outlet’s audiences, either for the first time or freshly and innovatively.
• Engaging and Appropriate: Be engaging and appropriate for the intended audience.

2. Children’s Voices and Safeguarding  

• Inclusion of Child Voices: Include case studies, first-hand accounts, or testimonials from children (or their parents/guardians) to amplify their voices and provide a human perspective.
• Adherence to Child Safeguarding: Comply with child safeguarding standards and ethical reporting practices, ensuring the rights of children involved were not compromised and their dignity and privacy respected.
• Balanced and Fair: Demonstrate impartial, objective, and unbiased reporting on child rights issues.

3. Impact and Innovation: 

• Further Media Coverage: If the piece resulted in additional media coverage on the child rights
• Demonstrable Impact: Evidence of positive change for children, such as changes in policy or law, or proof of a positive impact on the lives of those whose stories have been told.
• Recognition of Creativity: Awards will be given to entries that demonstrate innovative and creative approaches to storytelling, capturing audiences’ attention, and bringing awareness to critical child rights topics.

For the Local/Regional category, it is acknowledged that certain outlets may be limited in their budget and resources, and this category will be judged accordingly.

Winner Announcement

Entries can now be submitted at: savemediaawards.com.  Submissions will close on 20 July 2025 at 11:59 PM BST. An independent jury of judges will review the shortlisted submissions to decide the winners.
The winners of the Save the Children Global Media Awards 2025 will be announced on 20 November, which is World Children’s Day.

They will receive a personalised certificate and an invitation to attend a Save the Children international press trip or programme visit.

Additionally, all shortlisted finalists will be awarded personalised certificates in recognition of their outstanding contributions.

For detailed information on eligibility criteria, rules, and how to enter, journalists are encouraged to visit the Save the Children Global Media Awards website at www.savemediaawards.com

About Save the Children:

Save the Children is the world’s leading independent organisation for children, working in over 100 countries to ensure children grow up healthy, educated, and safe.