BBC’s Steve Rosenberg receives Charles Wheeler Award for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcast Journalism at University of Westminster
Organised by the British Journalism Review (BJR) and the University of Westminster, with support from the Journalists’ Charity, the annual Charles Wheeler Award was presented this year to BBC News Russia editor Steve Rosenberg at the University’s historic Regent Street Cinema.
Now in its 17th year, the Charles Wheeler Award is recognised as one of the most prestigious awards in the journalism calendar. Starting in 2009, with Jeremy Paxman as its inaugural winner, the award is presented each year by Charles Wheeler’s daughters Marina and Shirin.
This year’s winner, Steve Rosenberg, has been reporting from Russia since 2000. Apart from a short stint as Berlin correspondent, Rosenberg has been BBC’s Moscow correspondent since 2003, and was named as its Russia Editor in 2022.
He has covered a huge range of stories from Russia including the Kursk submarine disaster, the Nord Ost theatre siege and the Beslan school attack. He has challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin on numerous occasions, including on the attempted assassination of Sergei and Yulia Skripal and Russia’s war on Ukraine.
In 2023, Rosenberg’s interview with long-time leader of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko was named Network Interview of the Year by the Royal Television Society Television Journalism Awards. He was also awarded Broadcaster of the Year at the London Press Club Awards.
Last night’s event began with a short address from lexicographer and etymologist Susie Dent, who delivered an uplifting message about the importance of using positive language, celebrating those around you and keeping hope in today’s political climate.
This was followed by presentation of the award and a Q&A with Rosenberg chaired by Steven Barnett, Professor of Communications at the University of Westminster and BJR Editorial Board member, who founded the Wheeler Award in 2009. Rosenberg talked about…
Professor Barnett said: “Last night was another celebration of fantastic journalism, which rightly recognised one of today’s most accomplished broadcast journalists. Steve Rosenberg’s insights into Russian life and politics, conveyed with knowledge, clarity, impartiality and humour, are in the best tradition of broadcast reporting which Charles Wheeler represented”.
James Brindle, CEO, Journalists’ Charity said: “I’ve been watching Steve broadcast live from Moscow for many years and have long been a huge admirer of his work. Since the outbreak of war in 2022, the importance of his role has been further underlined. The way in which Steve has managed to navigate the many challenges of operating in Russia whilst maintaining an unwavering commitment to reporting truth is testament to his outstanding commitment and contribution to journalism.”