Inas Hamdan received the Anne Jacobsen's Memorial Award at this years Future Week, that took place 25th and 26th september.
"By using artificial intelligence, she systematically uncovered misinformation spread by Al Jazeera on sensitive topics such as Quran burnings, the NATO crisis, and claims that the Swedish social services systematically take Muslim children from their families," the jury, led by Kjersti Løken Stavrum, writes in its statement.
Anne Jacobsen's Memorial Prize is awarded to individuals or groups who have distinguished themselves through journalism that promotes an enlightened public discourse and strengthens the dissemination of truthful information through innovative means. In its reasoning, the jury describes how 24-year-old Inas Hamdan has met the criteria in a timely and relevant way:
1. Enlightened public discourse: Through her article series "Världens nye bild av Sverige" Inas has exposed the systematic spread of misleading and false claims about Sweden. In doing so, she has made important contributions to an informed public debate.
2. Use of innovation to uncover facts: Inas Hamdan has utilized artificial intelligence to analyze information from Al Jazeera, demonstrating how the TV station presents different content to various audiences. Through this, she has uncovered disinformation that has distorted the portrayal of Swedish society.
3. Truthfulness: Inas Hamdan’s work has brought important information to the Swedish public and revealed stories that would otherwise have remained hidden or misunderstood. Although her journalism has been controversial in the communities she has covered, Hamdan has stood firm in her commitment to truthfulness and informing both the public and decision-makers.
– We in the jury believe it is important and appropriate for Inas to receive this award for three reasons: She possesses an insight into our new, diverse society that is becoming increasingly vital for the media's societal mission, she has utilized this insight in combination with new technology to conduct significant investigative journalism, and she has demonstrated the necessary journalistic integrity when addressing a complex and demanding area of society, says Kjersti Løken Stavrum.
– It was an amazing experience to be honored by my colleagues in the industry in Norway. Bergen's investment in Media City is truly unique in the world and a testament to the importance of journalistic collaboration. Future Week was an inspiring example of what journalists can achieve when they work together with each other, other industries, and the public. I take with me valuable lessons from my colleagues and a memory of the breathtaking view of the city from Mount Fløyen, says Inas Hamdan.
The prize was presented during this years Future Week conference at Media City Bergen on September 26th. The prizewinner received 100 000 Norwegian kroner. This marks the third time the award is given. Last year the infestation group Bellingcat won, and the year before, the project went to the project #ukranefacts, led by Malta.es. Inas Hamdan is the first individual to recive the prize.
After the award ceremony, Inas Hamdan was interviewed on stage by Kjersti Løken Stavrum, where she discussed how she has worked to uncover disinformation through her journalism.
One of Anne Jacobsens most important core issue was the fight against disinformation. Anne worked for many years on innovation, transformation and change, and she was an important voice in this field within the Norwegian media landscape. After the sudden passing of Anne Jacobsen, Medieklyngen established The Anne Jacobsens Memorial Award to honor her and her work against disinformation.
-"Receiving the Anne Jacobsen Memorial Prize means a great deal, especially since I have understood her drive and struggle to combat disinformation and develop journalism," says Inas Hamdan.
The jury states in its justification:
"Inas Hamdan’s journalistic curiosity, integrity, and dedication to truthfulness make her a deserving recipient of Anne Jacobsen's Memorial Prize. We are proud to acknowledge her significant contributions to journalism and to society as a whole with this award."
The Memorial Award committee has the following members:
- Kjersti Løken Stavrum, CEO of the Tinius foundation
- Øyulf Hjertenes, EVP Norway in Schibsted Media and Board Member of Media City Bergen AS
- Mads Grønbæk, CPO at Dina
- Leif Ove Larsen, Professor Department for information and media sciences at the University of Bergen
- Are Tverberg, team leader at TV 2
- Petter Ole Jakobsen, co-founder of Vizrt
- Geir Terje Ruud, founder of Ruud & Company
- Charlotte Vindenæs, Head of Communication at Media City Bergen AS (Administrative support)
- Helge O. Svela, CEO at Medieklyngen (administrative support)
Anne Jacobsens Memorial Award has been made possible with the contributions from:
- Vizrt
- Tinius Trust
- University of Bergen
- TV 2
- Kulturoperatørene
- Fonn Group
- Amedia
- Schibsted
- Global Youth & News Media
- Marty Cagan