The Stevie Awards, established in the United States in 2002, recognize outstanding achievements worldwide. This October in Lisbon, Portugal, winners from around the globe will be honored. This year, Rudaw’s work was selected from 3,800 entries representing 78 countries.
Rudaw’s program “Unfinished Stories,” hosted by Hevidar Ahmad, won the Gold Award for Best News and Politics Program. The show investigates key issues in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the Middle East. A recent award-winning episode, titled “Assad Collapsed from Within,” was described by the jury as 'a powerful and timely documentary that captures a historic moment with skilled cinematography, thoughtful pacing, and a clear narrative voice.' They added that it “offers compelling, on-the-ground perspectives and high-value interviews immediately after Assad’s departure, demonstrating strong editorial courage and storytelling.”
Commenting on the team’s visit to Damascus, one judge said, ''Unfinished Stories: Assad Collapsed from Within' is a powerful and timely piece of journalism that bravely captures a fragile moment in modern Middle Eastern history. The team’s ability to enter Damascus mere days after Assad’s fall and gather unfiltered, first-hand accounts is a remarkable journalistic achievement.”
Bestoon Khalid received the Silver Award for Social Impact Leader of the Year, with his programs “Bestoon Talk” and “Pashiv” praised as “a first-of-its-kind civic dialogue show connecting youth and government leaders in Iraq” and for breaking “new ground in youth engagement and social impact.”
“It is a great honor to see Rudaw’s work recognized internationally,” said Rebaz Ali, Production Director of Rudaw Media Network. “These awards celebrate the loyalty, creativity, and courage of our journalists and strengthen Rudaw’s position among the world’s leading media institutions.”
Rudaw Media Network
August 14, 2025
