The International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) have announced the shortlist for the 2026 Free Media Pioneer Award.
The shortlist includes 11 media organizations from around the world that work to promote and defend independent journalism. Among the nominees are Meydan TV and AbzasMedia from Azerbaijan.
According to IPI and IMS, the organizations selected this year have developed innovative approaches to ensure the free flow of news and information under increasingly difficult conditions for press freedom, while demonstrating the resilience of independent media.
Founded in 2013, Meydan TV is known for its citizen journalism and reporting on corruption and human rights violations.
According to IPI and IMS, between December 2024 and August 2025, 12 people associated with Meydan TV were arrested. They are being tried as a group and face charges including money laundering, tax evasion, and other financial crimes, which could result in lengthy prison sentences.
The statement notes that Meydan TV journalists continue to defend freedom of expression and press freedom from prison cells and courtrooms. Meanwhile, the media outlet continues its work in exile and remains one of the few sources of independent journalism in Azerbaijan’s increasingly repressive media environment.
Orkhan Mammad, Editor-in-Chief of Meydan TV, said that the nomination is an important source of moral support, especially for the journalists who are imprisoned:
“For us, Meydan TV being considered for this award is not only recognition of our professional work but also an important moral support during a very difficult and sensitive period. Especially for our colleagues who are in prison, this award is a source of hope, joy, and endurance. It is recognition of their struggle for freedom of expression, journalism, and truth in Azerbaijan.
Despite the challenges, pressures, and restrictions we face, being considered for this award shows that our work has not gone unnoticed and that the international community stands in solidarity with us in our fight to protect access to accurate information in Azerbaijan.”
In addition to Meydan TV and AbzasMedia, the shortlist includes the Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA) from Cambodia, Forbidden Stories from France, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) from Nigeria, the Latin American Center for Investigative Journalism (El CLIP) from Costa Rica, Netra News from Sweden and Bangladesh, Oxpeckers Investigative Environmental Journalism from South Africa, Radio Dabanga from Sudan, the Syrian Investigative Reporting for Accountability Journalism (SIRAJ) from Syria, and Zan Times from Afghanistan.
The winners of the 2026 Free Media Pioneer Award are expected to be announced in the coming days.
