The Telegraph's "Ukraine: The Latest" podcast has been nominated for a Podcast of the Year award by the Society of Editors' Media Freedom Awards. This recognition comes as part of multiple nominations for Telegraph journalists across various categories.
Launched in 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the podcast has gained significant traction. It was co-presented by the late David Knowles, alongside colleagues Dominic Nicholls and Francis Dearnley. The podcast's success reflects the growing importance of digital platforms in news dissemination, with over 2 million active podcasts globally as of 2024.
Other Telegraph nominees include:
- Photographer Simon Townsley for his work in Ukraine, Afghanistan, and the West Bank
- Chief reporter Robert Mendick for his investigative scoops
- Columnist Suzanne Moore for best broadsheet commentator
The Society of Editors, established in 1999, represents nearly 400 members across various media platforms. Its executive director, Dawn Alford, praised the "exceptional standard of entries" and the "tenacity, intelligence and bravery" of journalists across different media formats.
This nomination follows the podcast's recent success at the 2024 Publisher Podcast Awards, where it was named Best News Podcast. The awards, first held in 2020, have become a significant recognition platform for the rapidly growing podcast industry.
The Telegraph, founded in 1855, has a long history of war reporting dating back to the Crimean War. Its digital transformation, which began in the early 2000s, has allowed the newspaper to adapt to changing media landscapes and continue its tradition of award-winning journalism.
Tragically, David Knowles, who joined The Telegraph in 2020 and played a crucial role in launching the podcast as head of social media, passed away on September 8, 2024, in Gibraltar at the age of 32. His contribution to reporting on the Ukraine war was widely recognized, with the Ukrainian Embassy in London paying tribute to his dedication and commitment.
"We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the Telegraph journalist of Ukraine: The Latest podcast [David Knowles]. His dedication to reporting the truth about the war in Ukraine and his commitment to telling the stories of those affected by it will never be forgotten. Ukraine mourns this profound loss alongside you."
The Society of Editors' Media Freedom Awards and the success of "Ukraine: The Latest" highlight the ongoing importance of quality journalism and the evolving nature of news reporting in the digital age. As the war in Ukraine continues, the role of podcasts and other digital platforms in providing in-depth coverage and analysis remains crucial.