WAZ reporter wins the guard price for uncovering children's prostitution

WAZ reporter wins the guard price for uncovering children's prostitution

What a big day for journalism in Germany! On June 30, 2025, the most renowned award in the area of critical reporting, the Guardian Prize of the Daily Press, was awarded in Frankfurt am Main. This time, especially in the focus, journalist Sophie Sommer was from the "West German Allgemeine Zeitung" (WAZ), which was awarded for her impressive report on child prostitution. Your contribution entitled "I still feel his hands on me" , which was published in August 2024, received first place and thus a price of 10,000 euros. According to Deutschlandfunk , the jury had a lot of praise for Summer's work, which captivates with a successful mix of closeness and distance. It reveals abysses that often remain hidden in many major cities.

Andreas Tyrock, editor -in -chief of the WAZ, did not miss the opportunity to congratulate the young reporter. "Sophie did something very special here," emphasized Tyrock, referring to the nine -month research that is behind the work. With her deep interviews and the sensitive use of an extremely difficult topic, she left a sustainable impression.

other award winners and awards

But not just Sophie Sommer was happy. Second place went to Sönke Iwersen and Volker Votsmeier for their work in the Handelsblatt , in which they carefully examine the developments around the Cum-Ex scandal. The institutional failure and the resistance to attempts to provide information is outlined; This article was happy about 6,000 euros. The third prize, endowed with 4,000 euros, received Julia Rathcke from the Rheinische Post for her reportage "on lies" , in which she revealed the machinations of an AfD parliamentary member who had fake parts of his resume.

• Guardian price 2025
  • First prize (10,000 euros): Sophie Sommer, WAZ, for "I still feel his hands on me"
  • Second prize (6,000 euros): Sönke Iwersen and Volker Votsmeier, Handelsblatt , for their work via the Cum-Exskandal
  • third price (4,000 euros): Julia Rathcke, Rheinische Post , for "on lies"

The guardian award has been awarded by the “Freedom of the Press” foundation since 1969, which is supported by publisher associations. He has set himself the task of appreciating outstanding journalistic achievements that deal with corruption, abuses and abuse. This is done by an independent jury, which is directed by Moritz Döbler, editor -in -chief of the Rheinische Post , as EPD

This is how the situation in the journalism looks like: With the guard prize, not only the excellent work of individual journalists: recognized inside, but also raises awareness that there are topics that require a more detailed look. And there is a great responsibility for the press.

This award once again underlines how important investigative journalism is to make social grievances visible. In times when information is often fast -moved, brave journalists are needed: inside, like Sophie Sommer, who not only look at the obvious look, but also shed light on the darker corners of everyday life.

In a world in which many topics are often taboo, Sophie Sommer's report is an important step in the right direction. Use for the truth, commitment and a good sense of stories that have to be told - that is what distinguishes and will be very popular in the media landscape.

like the News.de summarizes, the guard price is not only a honor, but also as an incentive for all journalists: seen inside, to continue brave for the education and justice.