The Center for Media Integrity for the Americas (CMIA) and the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) are pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the CMIA-CBU Caribbean Defender of Media Freedom Award.

PURPOSE:

This regional honour recognizes outstanding journalism, courageous reporting, and meaningful contributions to the protection and advancement of media freedom across the Dutch, English, French & Spanish Caribbean.

The Caribbean Defender of Media Freedom Award reflects the shared vision of the CBU and the CMIA to strengthen journalism, uphold democratic values, and support a resilient and independent media landscape across the region. Both organizations are deeply committed to fostering environments where journalists can work freely and safely, and where accurate, ethical, and impactful reporting can thrive. By spotlighting individuals and institutions that exemplify these principles, the Award directly supports the mission of both partners to champion media freedom as an essential pillar of open and accountable societies.

This award also underscores the strategic partnership between the CBU and CMIA, which combines the CBU’s longstanding regional leadership with CMIA’s expertise in advancing media integrity throughout the Americas. Together, the organizations aim to elevate best practices, encourage cross-border collaboration, and empower media practitioners who are confronting real threats to press freedom. The Caribbean Defender of Media Freedom Award serves as a concrete expression of this partnership — amplifying the voices of courageous journalists and reinforcing the collective responsibility to protect and sustain a free, independent, and trustworthy press.

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES

CBU and CMIA encourage media professionals, newsrooms, and non-state sector organizations to complete and submit the Nomination Form either themselves or to nominate someone they believe to be deserving of this recognition. The Awardee will be chosen by a jury of award-winning journalists selected by CBU and CMIA.

PRESENTATION & PRIZE:

The winner of this Award will receive USD 5,000 to assist with continuation of their work as well as a plaque and certificate.  The Award will be presented on August 18, 2026 during the Opening Ceremony of the CBU 57^th Annual General Assembly in Georgetown, Guyana.

CRITERIA:

To be eligible for the Award the candidate individual, group or institution must be:

• Serving audiences or publics in the Dutch, English, French or Spanish Caribbean, and
• An independent media organisation, civil society body, group of media practitioners or an individual media content creator, and
• During the twelve (12) months preceding the call for nominations, actively engaged in advocacy work or creation of journalistic content at the community, national or regional levels which
  • Adds to the body of investigative journalism and/or public commentary which advocates or advances media freedom or
  • advances protection of media freedom and/or journalists’ safety and
• is expected to continue the work being recognised for at least twelve months after presentation of the Award

NB: state sector entities and their personnel are ineligible.

CLOSING DATE:

Submit nominations using the form available for download below to cbumediaawards@caribroadcastunion.org by midnight AST, May 3, 2026 World Press Freedom Day.