The IHK Award for Economic Journalism – named after the long-serving DIHK President Ernst Schneider – has been promoting quality journalism for many years. It recognises contributions that pointedly explain economic issues, contextualise societal developments, and enrich economic policy debates. The prize is aimed at journalists from print, online, radio, and television and highlights formats that make economics accessible and comprehensible.
Importance and Objectives
The IHK organisation underscores with this prize that the Social Market Economy in Germany requires public understanding. If economic developments and entrepreneurial actions can be comprehended by citizens, it strengthens the acceptance of the economic system.
Contributions are honoured that particularly excel through:
- thorough research,
- high quality of presentation,
- general comprehensibility,
- and the clean separation of information and opinion.
The prize thus promotes active dialogue between business and media – and shows that good economic reporting plays an important public role.
Categories
The IHK award is currently presented in six main categories:
- I. Video — Television contributions or video productions broadcast or published online in the year preceding the announcement. Prize money: 8,000 Euros.
- II. Audio — Radio contributions, podcasts, or audio formats. Prize money: 8,000 Euros.
- III. Clear Text Regional — Text contributions from regional editorial offices (printed or online) from the year preceding the announcement. Prize money: 8,000 Euros.
- IV. Clear Text Nationwide — Text contributions from nationwide editorial offices (printed or online). Prize money: 8,000 Euros.
- V. Social Media — Formats (e.g., channels) that show several contributions with economic topics in the year preceding the announcement; media, photo, video, or audio contributions can be submitted. Prize money: 8,000 Euros.
- VI. Starter Prize — For trainees or journalists with less than two years of editorial experience; three to five contributions plus a CV can be submitted. Prize money: 4,000 Euros.
- Special Prize — For exceptional journalistic achievements in the field of economic topics; an application is not possible here – the jury decides. Prize money: 8,000 Euros.
The total prize money currently amounts to approximately 52,000 Euros.
Participation and Submission
Eligible to propose are journalists, editorial offices, as well as the Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Germany.
Basically, an upload of the contribution is desired – alternatively, a format that is freely accessible online for at least one year after the start of the announcement suffices.
Submitted contributions can be supported by supplementary materials – such as broadcast manuscripts, programme announcements, image material, or similar documents.
Evaluation & Jury Procedure
The evaluation is carried out by independent juries consisting of media and business experts.
A two-stage procedure takes place: In the first round, regional juries review contributions in the respective IHK regions; the best contributions are presented to a final jury to decide on the nominees and award winners.
The evaluation is based on criteria such as: presentation of an economic topic, relevance of the topic, quality of information, general comprehensibility, and attractiveness of the presentation.
History & Sponsorship
The prize was first awarded in 1971 under the name "Ernst Schneider Prize".
Since January 1, 2023, the DIHK has been continuing the award as a public law corporation; since January 2024, the official name is: IHK Award for Economic Journalism "Ernst Schneider".
The German Chambers of Commerce and Industry are jointly sponsors of the award.
Award Ceremony & Outlook
The ceremonial award ceremony takes place annually in autumn at changing locations.
Following the award ceremony, selected contributions – especially nominated and awarded ones – are made accessible in excerpts.
Contact
Head and Organizer
Dr. Hartmut Spiesecke
IHK Award for Business Journalism "Ernst Schneider"