Sudanese–British journalist Yousra Elbagir named Television Journalist of the Year at the Royal Television Society (RTS) Television Journalism Awards held on 4 March 2026 at the London Hilton on Park Lane in London, England.
So so honoured.
— Yousra Elbagir (@YousraElbagir) March 5, 2026
A win for Sudan. https://t.co/Q3kvAqr2MN
Elbagir, the Africa correspondent for UK news broadcaster Sky News, was praised for dedicating herself to reporting on a conflict which hasn’t had enough headlines, adding her own personal history and expertise to give a unique insight.
Elbagir is known for in‑depth, on‑the‑ground reporting about Sudan and the wider Horn of Africa. Since the war began in April 2023, she has reported from Sudan on the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), documenting civilian casualties, mass displacement, human rights abuses and the humanitarian crisis, and combining survivor testimony with investigative reporting into paramilitary actors, command responsibility, refugee flows and aid challenges for international broadcasters and outlets.
So so honoured.
— Yousra Elbagir (@YousraElbagir) March 5, 2026
A win for Sudan. https://t.co/Q3kvAqr2MN
Elbagir said, “I’m deeply honoured to be named Network TV Journalist of the Year. Nearly three years in, Sudan remains the world’s largest displacement and worst humanitarian crisis. This conflict has been fuelled by a ruthless power struggle and foreign interference, leaving civilians trapped as their cities are torn apart. It is a crisis that has slipped from global attention even as the suffering worsens. The siege of my hometown, Khartoum, and the destruction of my family home brought the realities of this war painfully close – a reminder of what’s at stake in the stories I share. This year I’ve reported on Sudan’s genocide, mass displacement and humanitarian collapse, as well as conflict in the DRC, the drug epidemic in Sierra Leone and political crises across the continent. My work aims to challenge narrow portrayals of Africa and to centre the human stories so often overlooked. In an era of information warfare and growing distrust in the media, our job has only become harder – and more vital. To be recognised for this work is profoundly affirming. It gives me faith that people are still listening – and that they care.”
Commenting on Elbagir’s win, Jonathan Levy, Executive Editor and Managing Editor, Sky News, said, “Yousra’s courageous reporting across Africa, including from her home country of Sudan, truly reflects the purpose, impact and power of journalism. We’re thrilled to see her receive this thoroughly deserved recognition.”
In 2020, Elbagir’s sister, Nima, CNN senior international correspondent, received the same award – Television Journalist of the Year award at Royal Television Society (RTS) Television Awards 2020.
Elbagir was also recently honoured by the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) as a recipient of its 36th annual Courage in Journalism Awards, alongside other women who have reported under duress to expose the truth.
As Elbagir said, the award is “a win for Sudan.” Her recognition comes shortly after journalist Almigdad Hassan received the Newcomer of the Year – Hans Verploeg Award at the Free Press Awards 2025. The ceremony, held on 3 February 2026, was hosted by Free Press Unlimited, an international press freedom organisation that collaborates with over 300 media partners worldwide to ensure independent news is available to everyone.
Across the 20 competitive categories, the BBC led the way with seven awards including wins in both the Current Affairs – Home and Current Affairs – International categories, as well as Scoop of the Year for their Panorama investigation into the Metropolitan police. Sky News followed with five wins with Yalda Hakim winning Network Presenter of the Year, Yousra Elbagir taking home Network Television Journalist of the Year and the channel being named News Channel of the Year. Channel 4 News celebrated four wins including Network Daily News Programme of the Year.
For 2026, the RTS Special Award recognised the BBC’s Russia Editor, Steve Rosenberg, for his expertise and devotion to covering a country where he faces daily intimidation and danger. The Outstanding Contribution Award was presented to Channel 4 News’ Lindsey Hilsum for her reporting over three decades from the front lines of the world’s most challenging conflict zones, including Rwanda, Kosovo, Iraq, Syria, Mali, the Arab Spring, Ukraine, Afghanistan, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and many more.
For more information, visit rts.org.uk.
