Ragnhildardóttir nominated for the prestigious Journalist Award

The jury for the 2024 Journalist Award has announced this year's nominees, recognizing outstanding achievements in Icelandic journalism. Among the distinguished nominees is Hólmfríður María Ragnhildardóttir, a journalist at Morgunblaðið and mbl.is , who has been shortlisted for the prestigious Journalist of the Year Award for her in-depth reporting on the challenges facing the nation's school system.

According to a statement from the Icelandic Journalists' Association, the award ceremony will take place on Wednesday, March 12, at 5 p.m. in Sykursalur, Gróska. The awards, which celebrate excellence across four categories, will be presented to the winners from a pool of three nominees per category. Below are the jury's official justifications for the nominations.

Coverage of the Year 2024

• Berghildur Erla Bernharðsdóttir ( Stöð 2, Vísir, Bylgjan ) – For her television series Vistheimilin , a meticulously researched production that presents a powerful and detailed narrative. The series brings to light previously untold personal accounts of adversity, skillfully weaving together interviews and historical context.
• Guðrún Hulda Pálsdóttir ( Bændablaðið ) – For her investigative work on Iceland's carbon dioxide monopoly and its impact on greenhouse farming. Her reporting highlights how corporate dominance has stifled agricultural progress, contributing to the broader debate on food security.
• Pétur Magnússon ( RÚV ) – For his compelling radio series Skaði , which delves into the opioid crisis in Iceland. Through a masterful blend of interviews with experts, officials, and those affected, he presents a deeply human and solution-oriented exploration of addiction and systemic failure.

Interview of the Year 2024

• Erla Hlynsdóttir ( Heimildin ) – For her revealing interview with former Bishop Agnes M. Sigurðardóttir, the first woman to hold the position. The interview provides unprecedented insight into her struggles and the controversies surrounding her tenure, shedding new light on disputes within the National Church.
• Eva Björk Benediktsdóttir ( RÚV ) – For her gripping interview with Hafdís Bára Óskarsdóttir, a survivor of a life-threatening attack by her former partner. The interview offers a raw and powerful account of domestic violence and systemic failures in law enforcement.
• Kolbeinn Tumi Daðason ( Stöð 2, Vísir, Bylgjan ) – For his emotionally charged interview with Davíð Viðarsson. With precision and sensitivity, he unpacks the tragic and complex circumstances surrounding Viðarsson’s life and his connection to Quang Le, making for one of the year's most unforgettable stories.

Investigative Journalism of the Year 2024

• Jóhann Bjarni Kolbeinsson & Árni Þór Theodórsson ( RÚV ) – For their groundbreaking exposé on the mistreatment of young, disabled individuals placed in nursing homes due to a lack of resources. Their work exposed systemic neglect and human rights violations, sparking nationwide debate.
• Sunna Ósk Logadóttir & Bjartmar Oddur Þeyr Alexandersson ( Heimildin ) – For their in-depth reporting on the controversial climate company Running Tide, which revealed questionable practices and regulatory failures. Their investigation contributed to the company ceasing operations in Iceland and the U.S.
• Urður Örlygsdóttir & Arnar Þórisson ( RÚV ) – For exposing human trafficking within Quang Le’s restaurant empire. Their thorough investigative work revealed labor exploitation in the Icelandic restaurant industry and prompted an ongoing police investigation.

Journalist of the Year 2024

• Auður Jónsdóttir ( Heimildin ) – For her exceptional body of work, blending cultural journalism with pressing issues of freedom of expression. Her interviews with figures like Julian Assange’s advocate Kristinn Hrafnsson and author Salman Rushdie demonstrate her unique journalistic voice.
• Freyr Gígja Gunnarsson ( RÚV ) – For his relentless pursuit of accountability in political reporting. His investigative work on governmental decisions—particularly regarding the deportation of Yazan Tamimi—was instrumental in shaping public discourse and political outcomes.
• Hólmfríður María Ragnhildardóttir ( Morgunblaðið, mbl.is ) – For her incisive coverage of Iceland’s struggling education system. Her reporting, grounded in expert interviews and rigorous analysis, brought urgent attention to declining academic performance and policy failures, making education a key issue in the November parliamentary elections.

The 2024 Journalist Award nominees reflect the highest standards of investigative integrity and storytelling, highlighting critical issues that shape Icelandic society. The winners will be revealed at the upcoming ceremony in March.