Times of Malta editor Herman Grech among winners of Euro-Med journalism prize

Times of Malta editor-in-chief Herman Grech has been named among the recipients of the Euro-Mediterranean Journalism Prize during a ceremony held in Rome.

He joined a number of journalists and editors, including outlets like RAI and ANSA, honoured in a ceremony at the Circolo degli Esteri held on Monday, World Press Freedom Day.

Grech, an award-winning journalist, playwright and theatre director, was recognised “for his high professional profile and his contribution to political and investigative journalism.”

The award recipients after the ceremony in Rome.

The citation noted that, at the helm of Malta’s leading news publication, he has demonstrated authority and vision while promoting independent, high-quality journalism. It also highlighted his contribution to promoting dialogue between diverse cultures.

In his acceptance speech, Grech warned that journalism was facing “a siege,” especially from far-right political forces and the growing dominance of big tech companies. These pressures, he argued, can only be fought back by independent organisations reporting the truth.

Association of Mediterranean Journalists president Dundar Kesapli said that in an era where information moves rapidly and is often mixed with disinformation, journalists must “verify, report and investigate with honesty and courage.”

He described the prize, held under the patronage of the Italian Foreign affairs Ministry, as “a bridge” connecting countries, institutions and cultures through dialogue and information.

Several ambassadors and dignitaries were present for the event which also awarded RAI journalist Alessandro Tiberti, who died recently, aged 61. His children accepted the award.

The winners of the 2026 edition were Alberto Barachini – Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers; Emilio Carelli – Director of L'Espresso; Alessia Lautone – Director of La Presse Agency; Angela Mariella – RAI Director of Editorial Department; Soledad Alvarez – Director of the EFE Agency in Rome-Spain; Tiziano Carmellin from il Tempo; Stefano Chioffi – Corriere dello Sport; Gianluca Perino – Il Messaggero; Eva Murati – Albania;  Marina Perna; Emanuele Rizzi – Adnkronosl Baris Seçkin – Anadolu Agency – Turkey• Andrea Bonini – Sky TG24; Stefania Cavallaro – Deputy Director TG4;  Romano Bolkovic – Croatia; Alberto Rimedio – Rai Sport; Francesca Benvenuti – SportMediaset; Gianfranco Coppola – President USSI / AIPS Europe; Trevisa Tufa – Albania; Mahdi El Nemr – Egypt; Zouhir Louassini – Morocco; Emine Kavasoglu – Turkey; Atila Ertogan – Demirören Media High School; Marco Lollobrigida – Special Award; Luigi Crippa – Head of Sports Communications for FC Internazionale Milano; Roberto Coramusi – Head of the FIGC Press Office.

Renowned Italian sport journalist Alberto Rimedio (third from right) was among the recipients.