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Sky News’ coverage of the fall of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad was praised by judges for its outstanding storytelling and breadth of exploration.
The hour-long special was anchored live by Yalda Hakim from the heart of the Presidential Palace in Damascus. It follows the aftermath of the regime’s collapse across hospital morgues, prisons, and the ransacked Assad family villa, with reporters operating both from within Syria and internationally.
Reporting on the brutality of the Assad regime and its impact on ordinary Syrians, the programme aimed to provide a 360-degree view of a nation emerging from tyranny.
The judges commended the programme’s commitment to painting a global picture. One judge highlighted its integration of geo-location elements for adding “clarity and context” which “enhanced the overall storytelling and audience engagement”.
Sky News’ skilled team of correspondents were recognised for exceptional journalism, with one judge praising the “strong, knowledgeable journalists who provided nuanced insights” throughout each segment of the programme.
Another said: “This programme showed excellent editorial clarity and insightful, even-handed journalistic analysis.”
The programme was widely shared across social media, praised by peers, and cited by human rights organisations. It resonated strongly with diaspora communities, including refugees in the UK.
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