The global media landscape welcomes a transformative journalism accolade as Viory unveils the Global South Video News Awards in Abu Dhabi, creating a vital platform to honor the visual storytellers transforming global perceptions of the Global South.
Historically, narratives from the Global South have been marginalized or seen through outdated lenses. Today, this region is not just emerging; it stands strong. Its journalists are influencing global dialogues, setting creative benchmarks, and authentically capturing unfolding events. In this context, the awards transcend a mere ceremony, becoming a tribute to often-overlooked and underrecognized excellence.
As newsrooms worldwide seek genuine reporting and local insights, Viory champions the voices closest to these narratives. The awards will celebrate works published between December 1, 2024, and December 1, 2025, rewarding four winners with Dh12,000 each. The event will coincide with the BRIDGE Summit on December 9.
This initiative highlights the evolving dynamics of global news consumption. Audiences crave immediacy, authenticity, and human connection—attributes delivered by video journalists in the Global South. In an era of real-time content and misinformation, verified, ground-level footage is crucial. Viory’s awards aim to elevate this vital work on an international stage.
The awards cover four categories:
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Vital Footage Award – The top category honors footage that is crucial for telling significant stories, offering perspectives that alter global understanding.
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Best Camerawork – Recognizes outstanding technical skill combined with artistic excellence in composition, framing, light, shadow, color, and mood.
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Exclusive Lens – Celebrates unique footage capturing pivotal moments or perspectives essential for major narratives.
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Most Creative Shot – Awards innovative production techniques that enhance impact and viewer engagement.
A jury comprising regional editors and media leaders will select twelve nominees, all invited to Abu Dhabi for the ceremony.
Zulayho Siddikova, Viory’s general manager, emphasized the initiative’s reflection of a growing demand for unfiltered news. “The Global South Video News Awards honor impactful journalism—work that not only tells stories but immerses audiences in them,” she commented.
The inaugural edition is supported by a consortium including the BRIDGE Summit, Emirates News Agency, TRENDS Research & Advisory, the University of Sharjah, the African Union of Broadcasting, AIBD, the Union of OIC News Agencies, and the O.I.C States Broadcasting Union.
Based in Abu Dhabi, Viory has swiftly developed into a central video news hub for the Global South, offering coverage of breaking news, political events, business stories, sports, technology, and culture via a vast network of video journalists. Its platform features over 180,000 clips and 400 hours of live streams monthly in six languages.
No matter where the story unfolds, Viory and its journalists are present, capturing moments that shape the world’s view of the Global South today and for the future.
For further details, visit the Viory Awards website.
