In an era of sharply declining public trust in news, journalism that adheres to the highest standards of fairness, impartiality and accountability deserves both recognition and reward. The Center for Integrity in News Reporting (CFINR) is answering that call.
Now in its third year, the CFINR Annual Journalism Awards honor reporting that furthers public trust through rigorous, unbiased coverage. The awards are part of CFINR’s broader mission to support journalism that earns confidence and rebuilds trust through objective and impartial news reporting.
For 2026, CFINR has expanded its awards program to include a sixth category: Impartial Investigative Reporting. This addition reflects the crucial role that thorough, source-driven inquiry plays in informing the public without partisan framing.
Winners in each category will receive $25,000, bringing the total prize pool to $150,000. There are no entry fees, and journalists and editors can enter their own work directly — you do not need to submit through a newsroom or organization.
Submission window: January 2 – February 16, 2026
Enter here: cfinr.org/award-entry
Past CFINR awards programs have drawn finalists and winners from a wide range of newsrooms, from local outlets to national publications. In 2025, CFINR announced its second cohort of winners in a Washington, D.C., ceremony that celebrated achievements in impartial and objective reporting across platforms. The annual awards ceremony has become an important gathering for journalists, editors, press association leaders and supporters of journalism, offering not just celebration but visibility for outstanding work.
Recognizing excellence in journalism reinforces industry standards that build credibility with audiences. The CFINR Awards are judged by leaders in press associations and reflect criteria rooted in impartiality, fairness and accuracy — values essential to serving a well-informed public.
Journalists whose work embodies these principles are encouraged to enter between Jan. 2 and Feb. 16, 2026 at cfinr.org/award-entry. For more information, email info@cfinr.org.
