«Reporters Without Borders» nominate NikVesti for award «Freedom of the Press»

The NikVesti team was nominated for an international award, illustration: RSF

The editorial team of the Mykolaiv-based online media outlet NikVesti has been shortlisted for the international RSF «Press Freedom Awards 2025 (Press Freedom Awards 2025), which are organised annually by the human rights organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

The official announcement with the list of nominees was published today, 21 October, on the website of the award organisers.

NikVesti has been nominated in the category «For Independence» (Independence Prize), which recognises journalists and media outlets that demonstrate editorial independence, refuse to succumb to pressure and maintain professional standards even in extremely difficult circumstances.

«Based in southeastern Ukraine’s Mykolaiv region, near the front line, NikVesti has to confront many challenges, which include Russian bombardment, harassment by the authorities, and severe economic hardship since the cutoff of funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This media outlet nonetheless continues to document the war day after day, investigate local corruption, and actively promote support for independent media at many public conferences in Ukraine and internationally», the organisers of the award note.

This year's shortlist includes 29 journalists, photojournalists and 9 media outlets from 18 countries. The winners will be announced on 15 November in Paris, during a ceremony at the Gaîté Lyrique cultural centre, which will take place as part of the RSF Festival dedicated to the organisation's 40th anniversary.

Nominees in the Independence Prize category of the RSF Press Freedom Awards 2025. Source: rsf.org

Among the nominees in this category are representatives of different countries and areas of journalism:

• +972 Magazine (Israel/Palestine) is an independent online media outlet created by Israeli and Palestinian journalists that covers the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a critical, anti-war perspective.
• Shin Daewe (Myanmar) is a journalist and documentary filmmaker arrested by the military authorities for her work, known for her films on environmental issues and the civil war. A symbol of journalistic courage in a repressive country.
• Mourad Zeghidi (Tunisia), a journalist arrested for criticising the president, has become a symbol of the struggle for freedom of speech in North Africa.
• UKweli Coalition Media Hub (East Africa) — a network of journalists engaged in investigative reporting, fact-checking and strengthening independent newsrooms; more of a collaborative hub than a traditional media outlet.
• Fatih Altayli (Turkey) — a well-known journalist, TV presenter and former media manager who critically covers the government and is subject to political pressure, a symbol of the free press in Turkey.

«Being among the finalists for the RSF Press Freedom Awards is a great honour for us and a reward for the entire editorial team. The nomination includes «Staff of the local media NikVesti», and I believe that this fairly reflects the contribution of each member of the team. We are not just fighting for sustainability, but every day we prove that an independent regional media can develop even in a frontline city, despite all the challenges,» said Oleh Dereniuha, the head of NikVesti.

Image of the announcement of the RSF Press Freedom Awards 2025, an international award presented annually by Reporters Without Borders to journalists and media outlets that have made a significant contribution to the protection of freedom of expression. Source: rsf.org

The RSF Press Freedom Awards was launched in 1992 and is one of the most respected awards in the world of journalism. Each year, it recognises journalists and media outlets that do brave and important work despite censorship, harassment or danger to protect the public's right to accurate information.

For NikVesti, this nomination is a recognition of the team's many years of work, which continues to produce high-quality, influential journalism even in the frontline region, despite daily risks and limited resources.

Our editorial team not only creates news, reports and analytical articles, but also builds a community of readers through the NikVesti Club, which helps support independent journalism in Mykolaiv. You can join the club here — it's an easy way to contribute to the stability and development of local media.