Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism
2003 Awards Ceremony
October 28, 2003 - New York
More than 200 students, journalists, friends and family members gather at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism for the Second Annual Awards Ceremony for the Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism.
The awards recognize exceptional reporting that sheds new light on controversial issues, including conflicts, human-rights concerns or cross-border issues in a particular country or region. An international panel of judges each year selects a freelance journalist of any nationality covering international news, and a local reporter in a developing country or nation in transition.
Following the ceremony, Christiane Amanpour, chief international correspondent, CNN, moderated a panel discussion on "Conflict, Controversy and Courage: The Challenges of Reporting in a Climate of News Management" featuring Paul Holmes, editor, political and general news, Reuters, and the 2003 Kurt Schork Award winners. July 31, 2003 - Columbia Announces Second Annual Kurt Schork Awards Highlighting Overseas Reporting
By Caroline Ladhani
Elizabeth Rubin, freelance reporter, possesses the ability to tell a compelling and moving story while enlightening readers about the larger issues. Her impressive body of work for The New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic Monthly and The New Republic is distinguished by the courage and depth of her reporting in some of the world's most dangerous and misunderstood regions and the ability to explain a completely different mindset in a non-judgmental and insightful manner, whether it is following the career of a Hamas activist and bombmaker or the origins of the Islamic groups in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq.
Ms. Rubin, who is currently working in Baghdad, has filed stories from many of the world's hot spots, including Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, the West Bank, Chechnya and Russia, Kosovo and Bosnia. In addition to the aforementioned publications, her articles have appeared in The New Yorker, Harper's, The Christian Science Monitor, The Wall Street Journal Europe, U.S. News & World Report and The Forward. A resident of New York City, Rubin has a bachelor's degree from Columbia University and also holds a M.Phil in Renaissance Literature and History from Oxford University.
Asha Krishnakumar (Chennai, India) is recognized for her thorough, compassionate and determined reporting for Frontline, the socio-political bi-weekly magazine published in India, revealing the shameful abuses suffered by the most vulnerable people in society, children, and bringing their voices to life. Her coverage of the large-scale prevalence of child bondage in the silk-weaving industry, the distress among handloom weavers in Tamil Nadu and the constructive ways in which they can be helped, and the medical malpractice evidenced in kidney commerce led to reforms by the Tamil Nadu Government.
Since joining Frontline in 1991, Asha Krishnakumar has written more than 400 articles covering human rights, deprivation, women, health, medicine, the environment and education. Her approach to journalism has been marked by seriousness and precision, attempting to go beneath the surface and, above all, remaining sensitive to the condition, needs and aspiration of the marginalized and vulnerable people. Krishnakumar received her bachelor's and master's degrees in economics from Stella Maris Madras University and a doctorate in economics from M.I.D.S. Madras University. Married with two children, she lives in Chennai, India.
Honorable Mentions
Four other entries received Honorable Mentions. Jurors' comments follow.
Andrew Meldrum, freelance journalist
Meldrum's powerful and courageous reporting from Zimbabwe for The Guardian, under extremely adverse conditions including his arrest and trial, provided readers with first-class, balanced, cutting-edge coverage on such crucial subjects as the suppression of the opposition in Zimbabwe and the deepening famine.
Sabrina Tavernise, freelance journalist
Tavernise is recognized for her depth and human insight in covering Russia for The New York Times. A gifted storyteller with a lyrical writing style, Tavernise displays enormous sensitivity and keen observation that enrich our understanding of today's Russia.
Massoud Ansari, local journalist (Pakistan)
Ansari's determined reporting for Newsline covering the kidnapping of Daniel Pearl and a profile of Sheikh Omar Saeed, the chief architect of the crime, draws on important local sources to enlighten readers with a fresh perspective.
Adrian Liviu Avram, local journalist (Romania)
Avram's resourceful pursuit of governmental corruption for Adevarul exemplifies determined reporting in the best investigative tradition despite personal risks and restrictive governments.