Application is now open for the 16th anniversary of the International Journalism Award – “Tell Me About Umbria: Stories on Umbria”. Organised through the Chamber of Commerce of Umbria (Italy), this award honours journalists who showcase Umbria’s achievements in the fields of environment, culture and business innovations.
The competition encourages global journalism, which promotes the understanding of cross-cultural differences as well as regional storytelling, and honours the top of digital, print and video-based reporting. In the case of African journalists, specifically those from Nigeria, this is the chance to be recognised internationally as well as connect Africa’s storytelling tradition to European cultural narratives.
Deadline: February 2, 2026
About the Award
The Stories on Umbria International Journalism Award seeks to raise the global recognition of Umbria’s artistic and cultural heritage. It is a celebration of creative journalistic work that showcases Umbria’s artistic talent, tourism, food, gastronomy, and other innovative industries.
The award ceremony this year continues the tradition of recognising top media professionals who promote the uniqueness and quality of Umbria through captivating stories, images and video-based reports.
Participation is absolutely free, and every entry provides the chance to share a meaningful story that crosses cultures and helps promote sustainable tourism and local business.
Award Categories
The award has four main categories that are designed to highlight different media works:
- Tourism, the Environment and Culture Reports or articles focused on the Umbria landscapes as well as art and heritage.
- Umbria del Gusto – Stories that focus on traditional food, gastronomy and culinary innovations.
- Video (Large Productions) – Major video work by broadcasters or production companies highlighting the region.
- Video (Independent Productions) – Independent or freelance video projects that capture the essence of Umbria.
Special Awards
- Schools of Journalism Award: Dedicated to students of journalism schools in Italy. Prize: EUR 1,000.
- Award to the Jury: Special recognition is given to outstanding work in all submissions.
Each major category is awarded the cash amount of EUR2,500 to honour the journalist’s outstanding work and contribution to the global promotion of culture.
Funding & Recognition Summary
| Award Category | Prize Amount (€) | Eligible Participants | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourism, Environment & Culture | €2,500 | Journalists, media professionals | Artistic and environmental reporting |
| Umbria del Gusto | €2,500 | Journalists, food writers | Culinary and agribusiness stories |
| Video (Large Productions) | €2,500 | Production teams, broadcasters | High-impact media storytelling |
| Video (Independent Productions) | €2,500 | Freelance journalists | Independent documentaries or short films |
| Schools of Journalism Award | €1,000 | Journalism students | Video reports from accredited schools |
The award ceremony will take place in April 2026 in Perugia, during the XXI International Journalism Festival—a premier global event attracting journalists and media leaders from around the world.
Eligibility Criteria
- The program is open to journalists from the international and national press (print and broadcast in addition to digital).
- Submissions must include the subjects that relate to Umbria’s culture, art and environment, food or economy.
- Participants can apply either as an individual or in teams.
- Each applicant can submit two pieces (articles or photo essays or videos).
- Eligible work must be broadcast or published in the period between January 1st, 2025, and February 1st, 2026.
Submissions can be made in either Italian or English with the required documents.
How to Apply
Candidates must complete the below steps:
- Create your submission materials, including a photo, article, story and/or video (up to a maximum of two submissions for each applicant).
- Include a copy of your ID and a short biography or CV.
- Ensure the entry was published or broadcast within the eligibility period.
- Submit your application online through the official registration portal by February 2, 2026, following all stated guidelines.
Applications that are submitted late or with incomplete applications will not be considered.
Evaluation Process
Entry entries will be evaluated by an expert panel chosen by the Chamber of Commerce of Umbria. The evaluation will be based on:
- Creativity and originality to tell the tale.
- Accuracy and depth of data.
- Connection between enterprise and territory.
- Impact on understanding of the audience and understanding of Umbria.
A balanced blend of storytelling excellence, visual quality, and cultural relevance will determine the winners.
Key Dates and Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Call for Entries Opens | Ongoing |
| Submission Deadline | February 2, 2026 |
| Evaluation Period | February – March 2026 |
| Winners Announced | April 2026 |
| Award Ceremony | April 2026 (Perugia, Italy) |
Why This Award Matters
This award goes beyond an award for journalism; it is an award that acts as a crossroads of culture, connecting media professionals from around the world and one of Italy’s oldest regions.
For Nigerian as well as African journalists, participation as part of the story on Umbria gives:
- Chance to earn international exposure and international recognition.
- Opportunities to network to meet prominent journalists and editors.
- Exposure at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia.
- A platform for showcasing the best of cross-cultural storytelling.
This initiative is aligned with international efforts to promote sustainability in travel, cultural preservation and economic growth by ensuring responsibly-produced media coverage.
Submission Requirements
The applicants must provide:
- Broadcast or published work (article, video, report or a photograph report).
- Evidence of publication date or the date of airing.
- A valid copy of an ID.
- A brief biography as well as a professional CV.
- Online submissions are due prior to the deadline.
Summary Table
| Award Name | Stories on Umbria International Journalism Award 2026 |
|---|---|
| Organizer | Chamber of Commerce of Umbria, Italy |
| Deadline | February 2, 2026 |
| Prize | €2,500 per main category, €1,000 for student category |
| Eligible Works | Articles, videos, or photo reports |
| Publication Period | January 1, 2025 – February 1, 2026 |
| Award Ceremony | April 2026, Perugia, Italy |
| Participation Fee | None (Free entry) |
| Focus Areas | Tourism, Culture, Environment, Food, and Business |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can participate in the award?
Any journalist, reporter, or content creator who has published or broadcasted eligible work.
2. Is participation open to non-Europeans?
Yes, the award is open to all nationalities, including African journalists.
3. How many works can I submit?
Each applicant can submit up to two articles or videos.
4. Are team submissions allowed?
Yes, teams or production groups can apply together.
5. What type of content qualifies?
Articles, photos, or videos focusing on Umbria’s cultural or economic excellence.
6. Can I submit an unpublished work?
No, only published or aired works are eligible.
7. What language should submissions be in?
Entries are accepted in English or Italian.
8. How are winners selected?
By a jury of experts evaluating originality, relevance, and storytelling quality.
9. Is there an entry fee?
No. Participation in the competition is completely free.
10. When will winners be announced?
Winners will be honored in April 2026 during the International Journalism Festival in Perugia.
Conclusion
The Stories on Umbria International Journalism Award 2026 gives journalists around the world the opportunity to present their unique storytelling that promotes the arts, culture and a sustainable business. It fosters cross-border collaboration by giving African as well as Nigerian journalists the chance to make their voices heard in the global arena.
The award isn’t only an honour; it’s a celebration of journalism’s ability to shape the way we think and recognise excellence in culture by sharing real stories.