Bhutan’s media fraternity gathered to celebrate the indispensable role of journalism in a democratic society at the 9th Annual Journalism Awards, hosted by the Journalism Association of Bhutan (JAB). Held in Thimphu, the glittering event brought together reporters, editors, broadcasters and digital creators from across the country, all united in their mission to inform, inspire and hold power to account.
A total of nineteen awards were distributed, spanning print, broadcast, radio and digital media. In the print sector, twelve categories recognised outstanding reporting—from hard-hitting investigative exposés to in-depth business analyses—while broadcast and radio journalists claimed five awards, and two special distinctions honoured remarkable achievement in emerging media formats.
One of the evening’s highlights saw Karma Samten Wangda of Bhutan Broadcasting Service named Promising Young Journalist of the Year. “This award pushes us to excel in a fast-paced environment,” Wangda said. “Recognition like this encourages young reporters to raise the bar even higher.” In the digital realm, Yeshi Lhendup Films captured the Impactful Social Media User Award for its innovative, socially engaged storytelling online.
Veteran journalist Tenzin Lamsang, editor of The Bhutanese, emerged as a double winner in print, taking home both Investigative Story of the Year and Business Story of the Year—his seventh investigative accolade in a distinguished 19-year career. “Investigative journalism unearths truths that serve society and the nation,” Lamsang reflected. “I hope this inspires the next generation to carry this torch.” Other print winners included Nidup Lhamo of Business Bhutan for Feature Story of the Year, and Chencho Dema of Kuensel, who won both Crime Story of the Year and Disability Story of the Year—his first award after 15 years of frontline reporting.
Kuensel journalists dominated multiple categories: Neten Dorji for Culture Story of the Year; Ugyen Dorji for Climate Change Story; Lhakpa Quendren for Environment Story; Thinley Namgay for Sports Story; Yam Kumar Poudel for Photo Story; Sherab Lhamo for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Story; and Jigme Wangchuk for Editorial of the Year. In broadcast, Kinley Dem (English) and Karma Wangdi (Dzongkha) of BBS were honoured as TV News Story of the Year winners, while producer Phuntsho Namgyal was named TV Host of the Year. The evening’s broadcast accolades concluded with Documentary of the Year going to Namgay Zam and Radio Host of the Year awarded to Sumitra Pradhan of Kuzoo FM.
In tandem with the festivities, JAB unveiled its “Findings of Rapid Assessment Survey on Media Landscape in Bhutan,” shedding light on current trends and challenges in the country’s evolving media environment. As the ceremony drew to a close, organisers and attendees alike echoed a shared commitment: to uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity and to continue amplifying the stories that matter most to the Bhutanese public.
