In a ceremony marking both achievement and reflection, Bhutan’s media fraternity gathered to celebrate the 10th Annual Journalism Awards 2026, held in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day. The event highlighted the evolving role of journalism in the country while honoring individuals and organizations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the profession.
Organized by the Journalists’ Association of Bhutan (JAB) in partnership with the Department of Media, Creative Industry and Intellectual Property, this year’s awards recognized excellence across multiple platforms. A total of 28 awards were presented, spanning print, broadcast, and digital media—18 in print journalism, one in radio, five in television, and four in digital reporting.
The evening underscored the continued influence of leading publications such as The Bhutanese and Kuensel, both of which secured several accolades. Their strong showing reflected a sustained commitment to in-depth reporting and editorial rigor.
Among the standout winners was Phuntsho Namgyal of Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS), who was honored as TV Host of the Year for his engaging on-screen presence and impactful storytelling. Meanwhile, Tenzing Lamsang, editor of The Bhutanese, earned dual recognition by winning both Business Story of the Year and Investigative Story of the Year—highlighting his contributions to accountability journalism.
Emerging talent was also in the spotlight. Yam Kumar Poudel of Kuensel was named Most Promising Young Journalist of the Year, signaling a bright future for Bhutanese media. In the digital sphere, Tandin Tshering received the Social Media Journalism Award, reflecting the growing importance of online platforms in news dissemination.
Beyond the awards, the ceremony also marked the release of JAB’s annual report and the latest edition of the Bhutan Press Mirror, offering insights into the state of media and press freedom in the country.
As Bhutan continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing media landscape, the awards served as both recognition and reminder—celebrating journalistic excellence while reinforcing the vital role of a free and responsible press.
