November 13, 2012
TV news director Sami Mahdi received the Knight International Journalism Award for uncovering violent abuses against women and pioneering hard-hitting news shows in Afghanistan, the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) announced.
More than 500 media leaders and luminaries gathered at the International Center for Journalists’ (ICFJ) Awards Dinner in Washington to honor journalists and news innovators who have had tremendous impact.
Knight Foundation President and CEO Alberto Ibargüen presented the Knight International Journalism Award to Sami Mahdi, an Afghan television news director at 1TV, who exposed violent abuses against women and to Kassim Mohamed, a Kenyan correspondent with Star FM, who reported extensively on the Somali pirates.
YouTube, the online video platform that is revolutionizing how news is distributed worldwide, received ICFJ’s 2012 News Innovation Award. It is given for pioneering work that promotes the free flow of news and the open exchange of ideas.
The award recognizes excellent reporting that makes a difference in the lives of people around the world.
Afghan broadcaster Sami Mahdi has revolutionized Afghanistan’s media landscape. In a country where the Taliban once starved people of information, Mahdi is one of the most reliable sources of news. More than that, he has engaged Afghans in a way no other newscaster has.
As the director of news and current affairs at 1TV, Afghanistan’s fastest-growing independent news station, he has pioneered programs such as “Kabul Debate Live,” a televised town hall meeting. In this show, he invites political leaders to appear before a live audience. For the first time, citizens can ask questions about critical issues, while viewers can phone or text in their concerns. It is one of the few ways Afghans can demand accountability from those in power.
Mahdi is unafraid to take on taboo subjects. In an effort to stop violence against women, he launched the show “Niqab” (Mask). Afghan women, hiding behind a mask, talk to a live audience about rape and domestic violence. The masks encourage women to speak without fear of reprisals.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, in a videotaped address, saluted journalists who “tell stories that need to be told and shed light on issues that cannot afford to be hidden in the shadows.” She also commended “the work of the International Center for Journalists for promoting quality journalism around the world.”
Sami Mahdi also in a statement briefed the development and challenges of journalists and media in Afghanistan in the last decade.
He said:” In the last decade, a new generation of Afghan journalists has emerged. This generation challenges traditional leaders, corrupt officials, drug dealers, disagreeable traditions, violence and terrorism.”
“We do this at great risk. Dozens of Afghan journalists have been murdered, injured or forced to stop working. My station, 1TV, regularly receives threatening messages warning us to stop bringing awareness to our people.” He added.
But Mr. Sami express his worries about the future of freedom of press in the country and said: “we are unsure if we can maintain this level of freedom of expression after 2014, when the international troops leave. Will a free press become a victim of violence or political deal making? I hope this award will help our news media continue to operate freely and engage in investigative journalism, which works for justice and tolerance. Honestly, I am concerned about the future. “
According to Sami Mahdi, the loss of a free press in Afghanistan is not just a problem for Afghanistan, but it’s a problem for the international community.