New Delhi: The Wire has been named the winner of the fifth N. Rajesh Memorial Media Award, instituted by the Madhyamam Journalists’ Union (MJU) in memory of veteran journalist and former Kerala Union of Working Journalists leader N. Rajesh.

Announcing the award, MJU office-bearers told a press conference in Kozhikode that the award honours The Wire for its "outstanding contributions to fearless and investigative journalism."

"Over the past decade, The Wire has consistently brought to light issues and stories neglected by the mainstream media, thereby expanding the space for public debate. In doing so, it has faced repeated attacks from those in power. Recently, senior journalists including Mr Karan Thapar have faced threats of arrest for exposing alleged undemocratic actions by the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam government," the MJU noted.

“The award also reflects MJU’s solidarity with a media institution that continues to stand as a guardian of democracy and press freedom,” the organisers said.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs 25,000, along with a plaque.

Kerala assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer will confer the award at a ceremony on October 21, 2025, at Alakapuri Hall in Kozhikode. One of The Wire's three founding editors, M.K. Venu, will receive it on behalf of the organisation.

On the occasion, poet and writer P. N. Gopikrishnan will deliver the N. Rajesh Memorial Lecture on the evolution of the Indian media landscape.

Madhyamam chief editor O. Abdurrahman, KUWJ state president K.P. Reji, its Kozhikode district president E.P. Muhammed, and KNEF district president M. Abdul Hameed, among others, will attend the event.

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