“Tvapatum 2024” Announced the Winners

10th Annual “Tvapatum 2024” Media Awards Ceremony recognizes journalistic excellence in human-centered stories.

In its 10th consecutive year, the Media Initiatives Center presented its “Tvapatum 2024” awards ceremony, recognizing professional excellence in human-centered stories by selecting the highest quality and most responsible journalism using innovative approaches and modern tools and upholding ethical principles.

“Tvapatum 2024” is supported by the Media Program in Armenia, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the EU-funded “Initiative for Media Quality and Resilience” project, as well as the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the Gituzh Initiative.

Well-known experts from the media and civil society served as the jury for “Tvapatum 2024,”          awarding the winners monetary prizes and “Tvapatum” statuettes.

• Gayane Mirzoyan, Editor-in-Chief, Urbanista;
• Gnel Nalbandyan, Editor-in-Chief, Newmag;
• Hrachuhi Utmazyan, Head of Media Academy, TV Host, Public TV;
• Armen Grigoryan, Project Coordinator, Friedriech Nauman Foundation Armenia;
• Anahit Gevorgyan, Protagonist of the “Action Person” nomination of Tvapatum 2023.

The jury awarded a special prize to “Aravot” journalist Tatevik Harutyunyan in the “Homo Agendi (Person in Action)” category for her story entitled “I Want People to Remain Human and Love Each      Other, ” and an incentive prize in this category to “News.am” journalist Taguhi Melkonyan for her story “From Ashotsk to Kaghsi: The Coach Who Founded an All -Girls Football Team Breaks Stereotypes.”. The stories of the “Homo Agendi” nomination are about the individuals who make positive changes in their communities. Both the authors and those featured in the stories were awarded prizes: 150,000 AMD for the special prize and 100,000 AMD for the incentive prize.

The “Ditak” prize, which celebrates excellence in investigative journalism, was awarded to Anya Sarkisova, a journalist for the “Hetq” media outlet who received a prize of 250,000 AMD for her article “Black Market of Drugs: Why Some Drugs Are Not Registered, But Are Sold.”. The jury also awarded an incentive prize to “Factor TV” journalist Narek Kirakosyan for his story “Who Supplied Trees to Yerevan? The Deal in the Spotlight of the Anti-Corruption Committee” for its merits in investigative journalism.

Lusine Vardanyan from “Civilnet” received the newest award, “Tun ev tegh” (The Place Where We Live),    (with a prize of 250,000 AMD) for her story “Towards Debed: Silent Contamination of the River“, which addresses pressing environmental issues in Tavush region. The nomination values ​​the best analytical content on urban and rural development, living, and working conditions.

“Infocom” journalists Susina Khachatryan and Lilit Grigoryan received the “Media 3.0” award for their use of technology in storytelling (with a prize of 250,000 AMD) for their article “Every 4th Official of Regional Communities Has Not Submitted at Least One Declaration.” The jury also awarded an incentive prize (100,000 AMD) to “Radio Liberty” journalist Hasmik Smbatyan for her short video entitled “The ‘Dangerous’ and ‘Safe’ Sounds of Grenade: What Did Nikol Pashinyan Say in 2018 and 2024.”

In the “Akanjogh” (Earring) category, which recognizes gender equality in journalism, the jury awarded two special prizes (150,000 AMD each) to “Civilnet” journalist Lyudmila Shirvanyan, for her video entitled “Yazidi Woman Breaks Stereotypes” (addresses the issue of education among national minorities), and to “Regional Post” journalist Anzhela Alekian for her analysis of women’s involvement in the labor market in her “Women in Numbers” article.

The winner of the “Emergency Note” nomination, which addresses conflict-related humanitarian topics, was Hayk Ghazaryan, a journalist of “Civilnet.” He received a 250,000 AMD prize for his article “Kilometers on All Fours: from Amaras to Kert. Tatul Khachatryan’s Story.” The jury also awarded Rima Grigoryan, a journalist from Hetq, a special prize (150,000 AMD) for her article “Do You Want Me to Tell Our Story?”

“Infocom” journalist Zara Khachatryan received the “Covering Science” award (200,000 AMD) for her “Gitarbuk” series. The jury also awarded an incentive prize (100,000 AMD) to “Infocom” journalist Ani Khachatryan for her “Zorats Stones” article.

Traditionally, the jury presents a special achievement award. This year, “Boon TV” received a special award with a 150,000 AMD prize for its consistent dedication to promoting science reporting over the past 13 years.

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The “Tvapatum” Journalism Contest is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The U.S. Agency for International Development administers the U.S. foreign assistance program providing economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 80 countries worldwide.

The “Tvapatum ” Journalism Contest is organized with the financial support of the European Union.

The “Tvapatum ”Journalism Contest is also supported by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom – Armenia, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Gituzh Initiative.