Mariusz Walter Award Winners for 2024 Revealed
The winners of the second edition of the Mariusz Walter Award for 2024 have been announced. This year, the award goes to Karolina Lewicka, Renata Kim, Agnieszka Mazuś, Krzysztof Jakubowski, Krzysztof Wiejak from JawnyLublin.pl, and Mirosław Żukowski. Additionally, the newly introduced Special Award of Bożena and Mariusz Walter was given to Marcin Wrona.
The awards were presented during a grand ceremony held on March 21st at the POLIN Museum in Warsaw, where journalists, media professionals, and influencers gathered to celebrate these remarkable individuals. The awards recognize excellence in journalism, dedication to the truth, and the courage to challenge power while keeping the public informed.
"My husband always believed that the key to his success was the people around him. Among those he held in the highest regard were the journalists, whose talent and courage he deeply admired. This award is for them," says Bożena Walter, founder of the Mariusz Walter Award and the Bożena and Mariusz Walter Foundation.
The Media Personality of the Year Award, as explained by the jury, honors an individual who demonstrates extraordinary courage and creativity, someone who pushes boundaries and brings fresh perspectives through their skills and innovation. It is an award for both seasoned professionals and rising stars.
The winner of the Media Personality of the Year Award is Karolina Lewicka, a journalist at Radio Tok FM. he was recognized for her top-quality journalism, her unwavering stance against manipulation by politicians, and her ability to quickly correct their falsehoods. She also received praise for effectively navigating power dynamics and for successfully expanding her work beyond radio.
Other nominees in this category: Agnieszka Szydłowska, the director of Program Three at Polish Radio. Nominated for her dedication to rebuilding the reputation and quality of Trójka radio despite financial instability and the station’s uncertain future. Recognized for her efforts in assembling a diverse team of journalists spanning three generations—from legendary broadcasters to seasoned professionals and fresh new talents. Jakub Sobieniowski, journalist and reporter for Fakty TVN. Acknowledged for his relentless pursuit of truth in politics, challenging politicians on their commitments and revealing inconsistencies in their narratives. His distinctive approach, using archival footage to confront public figures with their own past statements, has become a powerful tool for accountability.
Media Event of the Year
The Media Event of the Year award honors the creator or author of a journalistic piece, program, format, or innovative media product or technology that has made a considerable impact on society and reached a broad audience throughout the year.
In the Media Event of the Year category, the award was given to Renata Kim, a journalist at "Newsweek Polska," for her series of reports on Collegium Humanum. She was recognized for tackling this topic years ago, before it gained widespread attention and was picked up by other media. Each of her publications shed new light on the scandal, unveiling fresh aspects of a story that grew in complexity. She was praised for her journalistic persistence and patience.
Other nominees in this category: Piotr Świerczek, journalist at TVN and TVN 24, nominated for his series “Siła kłamstwa” (The Power of Lies). Recognized for his relentless exposure of the lies and hypocrisy of the Smolensk Commission led by Antoni Macierewicz. His highly reliable and well-documented reports, including “Kocioł czarownic” (Witch Hunt), “Siła śledztwa” (The Power of Investigation), and “Wymuszenie” (Coercion), uncovered key truths. After the release of the Ministry of Defence report in October 2024, all of Świerczek’s findings were confirmed. Paweł Figurski and Patryk Słowik, journalists at Wirtualna Polska, nominated for their series of articles that led to the resignation of the Minister of Science and Higher Education, Dariusz Wieczorek. Recognized for sticking to their core journalistic responsibility; holding any government accountable, regardless of its political affiliation. Awarded for their journalistic consistency and unwavering determination.
New Voice in the Media
The New Voice in Media award recognizes innovative uses of media and a distinct voice that goes beyond traditional journalism. It highlights content that fills a niche and tackles topics often overlooked by mainstream outlets. These initiatives, frequently emerging from grassroots efforts, are often created in dialogue with audiences.
The winners in the "New Voice in Media" category are Krzysztof Jakubowski, Agnieszka Mazuś, and Krzysztof Wiejak from the JawnyLublin.pl portal. They were recognized for creating one of the best local news platforms in Poland from the ground up. Their focus on ensuring government accountability, their independence, and their innovative approach to funding through donations and grants, without relying on advertisements, were key factors in their success. The jury also appreciated their commitment to transparency and effectiveness.
Other nominees: Sylwia Czubkowska, recognized for her transition from an economic and legal journalist to a respected expert on new technologies. Awarded for her sharp awareness in tracking the most intriguing developments in this field. For co-hosting the Techstorie podcast on TOK FM with Joanna Sosnowska, offering a highly accessible and engaging narrative about the digital world, even for those less tech-savvy. For effectively sharing these insights on social media platforms. Maciej Okraszewski, the creator of the podcast Dział Zagraniczny. Nominated for his independent voice, which goes against the grain of mainstream media trends, defying the idea that “Polish audiences aren’t interested” in global issues. For skillfully telling stories about world events that rarely make the headlines. For creating a model that supports young reporters in financing their work and publishing their reports.
Sports in Media
In the "Sports in Media" category, the award was given to Mirosław Żukowski, a sports commentator and longtime head of the sports section at the "Rzeczpospolita" newspaper. He was recognized for his unparalleled expertise in various areas of Polish sports, particularly tennis. The jury acknowledged his vast knowledge, his understanding of athletes' psychology, and the nuances of human interactions in sports. He was also celebrated for being a mentor to three generations of journalists.
Other nominees in this category: Daria Kabała-Malarz, sports journalist at Canal+ Sport, recognized as the best sports journalist in Poland. A mother of three, she finds time to stay active and engage in sports. Nominated for her efforts in promoting both sports and family life, as well as for her ability to blend professionalism with joy. Juliusz Ćwieluch, journalist at Polityka and creator of the cycling podcast Rowery, nie bajki. Nominated for creating a podcast that goes beyond just a mode of transport, offering insights into a lifestyle. Recognized for showcasing cycling trends, providing practical tips for cyclists, and highlighting cultural contexts that make the bicycle much more than just a vehicle.
The Bożena and Mariusz Walter Special Award
The Bożena and Mariusz Walter Special Award was presented for the first time this year. This individual distinction is granted by Bożena Walter, the initiator and founder of the awards, in recognition of a journalist’s entire body of work. In this case, the recipient is not selected by the Award's Jury. The Bożena and Mariusz Walter Special Award was given to Marcin Wrona, a journalist for TVN's "Fakty" and a longtime correspondent for the station in America. “Marcin Wrona has always been someone Mariusz and I deeply admired. His work was often a topic of conversation in our home, and time and again, he proved the exceptional quality of his journalism,” says Bożena Walter.
The Mariusz Walter Award
The Mariusz Walter Award, presented for the second time ever this year, celebrates individuals who demonstrate creativity, courage, outstanding journalistic skills, and a deep sense of social awareness and intuition.
The winners received a statuette, a sculpture by the renowned artist Tomasz Górnicki, along with a financial reward. The winner of the Media Personality of the Year award received 100,000 PLN, while the winners of the Media Event of the Year, New Voice in Media, and Sports in Media categories each received 30,000 PLN. The Special Award of Bożena and Mariusz Walter also carries a prize of 30,000 PLN.
The nominees and winners are chosen by a 19-member Jury, which consists of prominent individuals from the fields of media, culture, sports, and public life. The jury includes: Andrzej Andrysiak, Edwin Bendyk, Andrzej Bobiński, Kamil Dziubka, Ewa Ewart, Sylwia Gregorczyk-Abram, Jerzy Jurecki, Grzegorz Kalinowski, Michał Kołodziejczyk, Adam Małysz, Adam Pieczyński, Hanna Rydlewska, Joanna Solska, Agata Szczęśniak, Mariusz Szczygieł, Bożena Walter, Jacek Wasilewski, Paulina Wilk, and Maja Włoszczowska.
