Journalist Ravish Kumar Wins RSF Press Freedom Award 2024

Washington DC: Outspoken journalist Ravish Kumar won the RSF Press Freedom Prize 2024, honouring his unwavering dedication to independent journalism. The Paris-based freedom organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has earlier shortlisted 24 journalists including him from across the globe.

Ravish Kumar, who has always remained a steadfast voice for truth and accountability, has stood tall in a media landscape that is severely criticised. In his two-decade-long career, Ravish Kumar has consistently challenged the status quo.

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As per the statement released by RSF, Ravish Kumar was awarded for personifying the Indian media’s resistance to political pressure and was regarded to be a ‘true hero’ of journalism in the country. “With his sharp, hard-hitting stories and desire to expose the truth, he has shed light on crucial issues and given a voice to the voiceless, significantly influencing public opinion and politics,” the statement read.

Ravish Kumar resigned from NDTV, following Adani group’s acquisition of the news channel. However, with his strong determination, Ravish continued his journalism through his YouTube channel, which now has over 12 million subscribers.

“He has stood firm against government repression by defending the country’s journalistic space,” the statement read.

Each year, the RSF Press Freedom Award honours the work of journalists and media outlets that have made significant contributions to the defence and promotion of press freedom worldwide. This year 18 journalists and journalist teams, two media outlets and five photojournalists from 22 countries were short-listed. They competed in five categories including the brand new Modamed Maiga Prize for African Investigative Journalism, which honors the memory of the Malian investigative journalist and his fight to uphold social justice in Africa through his writing.

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The award was announced during the 32nd ceremony on Tuesday in Washington DC at the National Museum of Women in the Arts.
Ravish Kumar won the Independent Prize category. Meanwhile, Palestinian Al Jazeera journalist Wael Al Dahdouh won the Courage Prize.