Editors choose finalists for 2015 Kurt Schork awards

Stories - in print and online - covering events from the Middle East and Ukraine dominate this year’s two shortlists, which for the 14th year running were determined by former senior Reuters editors David Rogers and Nicholas Moore.

“The range of stories/locations covered was perhaps larger than ever,” they said in a joint statement. “Many of the [Local Reporter category entries] were a hard read but the endeavour and dedication of those listed was impressive.

“The Kurt Schork prize succeeds every year in reminding us how much pain, exploitation, conflict and downright evil there is out there.”

This year's awards attracted 148 entries - 66 freelancers and 82 local reporters - from 56 countries. Each entrant had to submit three articles published between 1 June 2014 and 31 May 2015.

Winners will be announced in September with presentation of the $5,000 prizes to follow at Thomson Reuters’ London offices on 29 October.

The awards were established in 2002 to commemorate freelance journalist Kurt Schork (photo), who was killed in 2000 while working for Reuters in Sierra Leone. They recognise the work of reporters who seek to illuminate the human condition through courageous reporting of conflict, corruption, human rights transgressions and other key issues. ■