It seems there might be some confusion in your request. Based on the context, you’re likely referring to the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States (AFPC-USA) Professional Excellence Awards Program for 2024-2025. However, there’s no widely documented program under this exact name tied to AFPC-USA for that specific timeframe in my available data or through a quick check of current sources. Let me clarify what I can provide based on what’s known about AFPC-USA and similar initiatives, and I’ll tailor it to your request as best as possible.
What is AFPC-USA?
The Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States (AFPC-USA) is a professional organization representing foreign journalists based in the U.S. It’s distinct from other entities like the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC) or the Air Force Personnel Center (also AFPC). AFPC-USA focuses on supporting its members through networking, resources, and recognition of journalistic excellence. Historically tied to the Foreign Press Association (FPA, founded in 1918), it has evolved to include awards and scholarships to promote high-quality journalism.
Professional Excellence Awards Program (Assumed Details for 2024-2025)
AFPC-USA does administer awards under its umbrella, notably the Professional Excellence Awards for Foreign Correspondents in the United States, as referenced on their website (foreignpresscorrespondents.org). While specific details for a 2024-2025 cycle aren’t explicitly outlined in my data (since the application window and announcements typically occur annually and my knowledge is current only to March 12, 2025), I can infer a reasonable framework based on past patterns and their mission. Here’s what such a program might entail:
Purpose
The Professional Excellence Awards aim to recognize outstanding work by foreign correspondents reporting on U.S.-related stories for international audiences. These awards celebrate journalistic integrity, impactful storytelling, and contributions to cross-cultural understanding—core values of AFPC-USA.
Eligibility
- Who: Foreign journalists working in the U.S., either as members of AFPC-USA or nominated by peers. Membership isn’t always required but strengthens candidacy.
- Work Period: For a 2024-2025 cycle, eligible work would likely span mid-2024 to mid-2025 (e.g., July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025), aligning with annual award timelines.
- Categories: Typically include print, broadcast, multimedia, or investigative journalism, though specifics vary year to year.
Application/Nomination Process
- Submission: Journalists or their editors submit entries, often including published articles, videos, or multimedia pieces, along with a statement on their impact.
- Deadline: Based on similar programs, nominations might open in late 2024 (e.g., November) and close in early 2025 (e.g., February or March). As of March 12, 2025, we’re likely past the nomination phase if it follows a standard calendar.
- Judging: An impartial panel of veteran journalists, editors, and media professionals evaluates entries on criteria like originality, depth, and public significance.
Awards and Recognition
- Prizes: Winners might receive plaques, certificates, or modest cash awards (e.g., $1,000-$5,000), though AFPC-USA emphasizes prestige over monetary value.
- Ceremony: Historically, awards are presented at an annual gala or virtual event, potentially in mid-2025 (e.g., June or July) for the 2024-2025 cycle. Past events have been held in New York or Washington, D.C., key hubs for foreign press.
Current Status (March 12, 2025)
- If the 2024-2025 program follows a typical schedule, nominations closed earlier this year (e.g., January or February 2025), and winners might be announced soon—possibly late spring or early summer 2025. Alternatively, if it’s a late-year cycle, applications could still be open or forthcoming.
- Without real-time access, I can’t confirm exact dates or recipients. You’d need to check the AFPC-USA website (foreignpresscorrespondents.org) or contact them directly for the latest.
Related Context: FPA Scholarship Awards
AFPC-USA is also linked to the Foreign Press Association Scholarship Awards, which in 2024 supported foreign journalism students in U.S. graduate programs. While distinct from the Professional Excellence Awards, it’s worth noting:
- 2024 Cycle: Applications closed earlier (e.g., May 2024), with awards of $2,500-$10,000 given in two categories (print and multimedia).
- Relevance: This student-focused initiative complements the professional awards, suggesting AFPC-USA’s dual focus on emerging and established talent.
Why the Confusion?
Your mention of “AFPC-USA Professional Excellence Awards Program 2024-2025” doesn’t perfectly match known titles, possibly conflating the scholarship and professional awards or assuming a biennial structure. I’ve assumed you mean the annual professional awards spanning 2024-2025 activities. If you intended a different program (e.g., from the Air Force Personnel Center or another entity), please clarify!
Next Steps
- For More Info: Visit foreignpresscorrespondents.org or email AFPC-USA directly (they don’t widely publicize contact details, but a web inquiry form is typical).
- Specifics: If you want analysis of past winners, criteria details, or help crafting a nomination, let me know—I can dig deeper with what’s available or guide you based on trends.
What else would you like to explore about this?
Since you’ve asked for “more” about the AFPC-USA Professional Excellence Awards Program 2024-2025, I’ll dive deeper into available details, leveraging the most recent updates and context from the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States (AFPC-USA). Given the date—March 12, 2025—I’ll provide an expanded view based on what’s known up to this point, including the latest 2024 awards cycle (which concluded in December 2024), and infer what the 2024-2025 program might entail based on patterns and trends.
Recap of AFPC-USA Professional Excellence Awards
The AFPC-USA Professional Excellence Awards are part of the organization’s broader mission to recognize and support foreign correspondents working in the U.S. These awards honor journalists who demonstrate exceptional skill, courage, and impact in their reporting for international audiences. They’re distinct from the AFPC-USA Scholarship Awards (for students) and are typically celebrated alongside the annual Foreign Press Awards, a flagship event highlighting both professional and emerging talent.
Latest Updates: 2024 Cycle
The 2024 Foreign Press Awards ceremony, hosted by AFPC-USA, took place on December 4, 2024, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. This event included the presentation of the 2024 Prizes of Professional Excellence. Here’s what we know:
- Honorees: Notable recipients included Fox News’ Chief National Security Correspondent Jennifer Griffin, who won for her impactful reporting on Afghan soldier Abdul Wasi Safi. Her coverage of Safi’s journey—fleeing the Taliban, crossing three continents, and facing detention at the U.S. border—helped secure his asylum in 2023.
- Focus: The ceremony emphasized journalism’s role in safeguarding democracy, with a spotlight on press freedom. Griffin dedicated her award to “all the foreign correspondents who are on the front lines telling these important stories.”
- Event Highlights: The evening featured a discussion moderated by AFPC-USA Executive Director Thanos Dimadis, with panelists Jodie Ginsberg (Committee to Protect Journalists) and Emily Wilkins (National Press Club President), addressing journalism’s challenges and responsibilities. Sissel McCarthy, an AFPC-USA board member and Hunter College journalism director, presented the awards, noting the escalating dangers journalists face globally.
This 2024 cycle likely covered work from mid-2023 to mid-2024, based on typical annual award timelines, with nominations closing earlier in 2024 (possibly late summer or fall).
What About 2024-2025?
The term “2024-2025” could imply a program spanning July 2024 to June 2025, with awards recognizing work from that period and announced in late 2025 (e.g., December 2025). Here’s a detailed projection based on past cycles and current trends:
Scope and Eligibility
- Timeframe: The 2024-2025 cycle would likely honor work published or broadcast between mid-2024 and mid-2025, reflecting a 12-month review period.
- Who Qualifies: Open to foreign journalists based in the U.S., working for international media outlets. Membership in AFPC-USA isn’t mandatory but boosts visibility and credibility. Past winners—like Hiba Nasr (Asharq News, 2023) and Patricia Vasconcellos (SBT Brazil, 2021)—show a mix of seasoned correspondents covering politics, security, and culture.
- Categories: While not explicitly listed, awards often align with journalism formats (e.g., print, broadcast, multimedia) or themes (e.g., investigative reporting, human rights). Jennifer Griffin’s 2024 win suggests a focus on high-stakes, human-impact stories.
Application/Nomination Process
- How It Works: Journalists or their editors submit work samples—articles, videos, or multimedia pieces—along with a statement on their significance. Referees or endorsements may be requested for finalists.
- Timeline: For a 2025 announcement (likely December), nominations might open in mid-2025 (e.g., June or July) and close in late summer or early fall (e.g., September or October). As of March 12, 2025, we’re too early for official 2024-2025 calls, but planning could be underway.
- Judging: A panel of media professionals evaluates entries for originality, depth, and influence. The 2024 emphasis on press freedom suggests this will remain a key criterion.
Prizes and Recognition
- Awards: Winners receive a Prize of Professional Excellence, typically a plaque or certificate, with occasional cash components (though not emphasized). The real reward is prestige and career visibility.
- Event: The 2024-2025 awards would likely be part of the 2025 Foreign Press Awards, potentially again at the National Press Club, given its prominence in 2024. Expect a gala with speeches, panels, and networking.
Current Status (March 12, 2025)
- Where We Are: The 2024 awards just wrapped up three months ago, so the 2024-2025 cycle is in its early stages. Eligible work is being produced now, but formal announcements or nomination portals aren’t likely live yet. Check foreignpresscorrespondents.org around May or June 2025 for updates.