The Global Indian Council (GIC), a United States–based non-profit organization representing the global Indian diaspora, in collaboration with the Indo American Press Club (IAPC), has announced the launch of the Global Online News Writing Contest 2026, a worldwide initiative designed to promote ethical journalism, original reporting, and critical thinking among aspiring and established writers.
The contest is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, and will be conducted entirely online, enabling participants from across continents to take part simultaneously. The competition will begin at 9:30 AM CST (Central Standard Time), 10:30 AM EST (Eastern Standard Time), and 9:00 PM IST (India Standard Time), ensuring convenient access for participants in North America, India, and other regions.
Organizers said the contest reflects a growing need to encourage responsible journalism at a time when misinformation, sensationalism, and AI-generated content increasingly threaten public trust in news media.
Promoting Ethical and Original Journalism
According to the organizers, the primary objective of the Global Online News Writing Contest 2026 is to nurture ethical reporting practices and sharpen analytical skills among writers, particularly young journalists and students.
“This initiative is meant to encourage writers to think independently, observe critically, and present facts responsibly,” an IAPC representative said. “In an era dominated by instant reactions and algorithm-driven narratives, ethical journalism rooted in clarity and integrity is more important than ever.”
Participation in the contest is free of charge, but advance registration is mandatory. Interested participants are encouraged to register early via the official website:
https://indoamericanpressclub.com/newswriting
Contest Format and Rules
The competition will be conducted live via Zoom, with all registered participants required to join the session on time and keep their video cameras turned on throughout the duration of the contest. Participants must also ensure that their full name is displayed on their Zoom profile, as this will be used for verification purposes.
During the session, participants will be shown a short video clip depicting a real-life or simulated incident. This will be followed by a brief explanation and clear instructions. Based on the video material, participants must write a news article reflecting professional journalistic standards.
Writers may choose to type or handwrite their articles. However, handwritten submissions must be clearly scanned or photographed and converted into a PDF file before submission. All entries must be emailed within the allotted time frame of 45 to 60 minutes, as specified during the contest.
Languages, Word Limit, and Eligibility
Articles must be written within a word limit of 500 to 800 words. Submissions are accepted in English, Hindi, or Malayalam, provided the content is entirely original.
The organizers have made it explicitly clear that AI-generated content is strictly prohibited, and any entry found to violate this rule will be disqualified immediately.
The contest is open to participants aged 15 years and above, regardless of nationality or country of residence, making it a truly global competition.
Prizes and Recognition
To recognize excellence in journalism, the contest will award cash prizes to the top three winners:
- First Prize: $450
- Second Prize: $300
- Third Prize: $150
In addition to monetary awards, winning articles will be published in the IAPC Newsletter and may also appear in other partnered media outlets, offering participants valuable exposure on an international platform.
All participants, regardless of ranking, will receive digital participation certificates, acknowledging their contribution and effort.
Organizers and Contact Information
The event is being coordinated by senior members of the Global Indian Council and the Indo American Press Club, both of which have been actively involved in promoting journalism, media ethics, and diaspora engagement.
For further details or clarifications, interested individuals may contact:
- P.C. Mathew: 972-999-6877
- Dr. Mathew Joys: +91 884-803-3812
- Patricia Umashankar: 817-307-6210
- Shan Justus: 210-237-8475
Encouraging the Next Generation of Journalists
With journalism facing unprecedented challenges worldwide, the Global Online News Writing Contest 2026 aims to serve as both a platform and a reminder that truth, responsibility, and originality remain the foundation of credible media.
By bringing together writers from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds, the organizers hope to inspire a new generation of storytellers who are committed not just to reporting news, but to doing so with integrity and purpose.
