2023 Journalist of the Year: Doug Saunders

In Undercurrents, the Globe and Mail’s Doug Saunders took readers on a journey alongside some of the people caught up in the world’s migration crisis.

Supported by photography, maps and video — provided in part by migrants themselves — Saunders followed asylum seekers, labour migrants and climate refugees on three continents as they navigated the physical dangers of migration and shifting immigration policies.

For his series of deeply personal and complex stories, Saunders won the 2023 National Newspaper Award for International Reporting and was named the 2023 Journalist of the Year.

“Saunders raised the bar for international reporting with writing that is vivid, engaging and possibly change-making,” judges said. “This series challenges us to rethink what we believe about migrants and who they are, what drives them forward, and what holds them back.”

The journalist of the year is selected from among the winners of each category, with only individuals or two-person teams eligible. This year’s judging panel reviewed the work of winning journalists in 17 categories, before selecting Saunders. The panel was composed of Greg Horn, Améli Pineda and Paul Wells.

This is the 10th time a Journalist of the Year has been named at the National Newspaper Awards.