Stephanie March, award-winning journalist, foreign correspondent and researcher, has been presented with this year’s Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Media Award for her stories highlighting the plight of famine-affected people in Somalia. In particular, a story on ABC TV’s Foreign Correspondent, Surviving in Somalia.
Presenting the award, ACFID Vice President (Finance) and CEO of CBM Australia, Jane Edge, said: “Surviving in Somalia showcased the daily reality of life for the chronically hungry, and gave a human dimension to a crisis that many of us in the sector have been working hard to draw attention to.”
The judges agreed that Stephanie’s stories showcased a high degree of empathy, giving agency and dignity to those suffering the crisis, as well as displaying a deep understanding of the political context, and presenting potential solutions.
“Aside from the strength of the reporting, the stories also had impact, with the government announcing a further $29 million for famine relief in May, after the story aired,” Jane said.
The ACFID Media Award is given annually, with this year’s award being presented at the 2023 ACFID conference dinner. The award aims to promote and recognise journalists delivering informed media items about international development and humanitarian issues. This year, Stephanie was amongst a strong field of nominations.
About the Award
The ACFID Media Award is given to a journalist who:
- Profiles with sensitivity and respect the issues and lives of people experiencing poverty and injustice
- Shows an understanding of the complexity of humanitarian and/or development issues; and
- Is judged to have the potential to help expand the knowledge of the Australian public in relation to humanitarian and/or international development issues.
The judges included previous award winners: Dr Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, the winner of the 2022 ACFID Media Award; Natalie Whiting, ABC, the winner of the 2021 ACFID Media Award; and Anastasia Kapetas, Advisor, AP4D program.
