“High-quality journalism is essential for a functioning society. Hence society should hold it in high regard. Especially in times of major social and political changes, war and pandemics journalism that is independent and based on facts serves as a pilar for democracy. Furthermore, it is a remedy against conspiracy and propaganda. Naturally it demands time and resources and is constantly under threat by governments and major economic players. These want to repress inconvenient media and instrumentalise them for their own interest. This is the reason why we journalist should support each other and have each other’s backs. The supply of solid information is essential in times of an increasingly split society and it is our mission to create an awareness for it.”

Since 1993 I am the author of many features and reports for the cultural radio channel Ö1/ORF, Austrian Broadcasting Corporation. In recent years I focused on portraits of female writers and activists. I am editor of the weekly feature programme Hörbilder. For this one-hour series I edited more than 200 radio documentaries, of which many have been awarded. I also coach and promote young feature talents (EBU Master School on Radio Features). I am the winner of several national and international awards, amongst others with Martin Leitner winner of the PRIX EUROPA 2011 for Ladies of the Manor.

Yasmina Hamlawi coordinates the Audio Documentary category together with Georgia Catt.