(Doha, Qatar) – In a significant recognition for Arab journalism, acclaimed Algerian journalist and Al Jazeera host Khadija Benguenna has been awarded the Silver Award at the international Signal Awards in the "Most Inspiring Podcast" category. The award honors her powerful podcast, “Stakeholders” (Thou Al Shaan), produced for Al Jazeera’s digital audio platform, Ather.
This prestigious win underscores Benguenna’s leading role in the global media landscape and adds a new international accolade to her distinguished career.
1. The Award-Winning Episode: A Landmark Testimony
The award specifically recognized a landmark episode titled “I Reveal Now… The Story of Caesar.” In this profound interview, Benguenna hosted the man previously known only by the codename “Sami”—the partner of “Caesar,” the Syrian military photographer who leaked tens of thousands of images documenting torture and deaths in regime detention centers.
In a televised revelation, “Sami” unveiled his true identity to the world as Osama Othman, a Syrian engineer from the countryside of Damascus. The episode provided a rare, first-hand account from inside the heart of one of the Syrian conflict's most harrowing human rights cases.
The episode’s impact was immediate and massive, achieving one million views in just two days.
In Benguenna’s Words: She later stated, “The amount of truth you read in the eyes of Caesar’s partner and the depth of sorrow you sense in his voice make it impossible to stop watching two full hours of dialogue.”
2. A Testament to Professional Excellence
This international award validates Benguenna’s decades-long commitment to rigorous, professional journalism. Since joining Al Jazeera, she has established herself as one of the Arab world's most respected broadcasters, known for her poised style, strong presence, and unwavering dedication to delivering the truth with depth and objectivity.
Prominent Al Jazeera journalist Ahmed Mansour congratulated his colleague, praising her as a representative of "Al Jazeera's professional school of television presentation" and her contribution to elevated, purposeful media content.
3. “Stakeholders”: A Podcast with Global Resonance
The winning podcast, “Stakeholders,” is a flagship production for Ather Al Jazeera. It focuses on deeply personal stories and impactful human experiences, delivered through compelling narrative and high production quality. The podcast has garnered wide attention from listeners and critics alike for its ability to build a bridge of empathy and understanding.
4. The Signal Awards: Honoring Audio That Makes a Difference
The Signal Awards are among the world's most prestigious prizes celebrating excellence in audio storytelling (podcasts). They honor creators who produce content that makes a tangible difference in public awareness and understanding of critical human and social issues. Benguenna’s win is a clear international acknowledgment that Arab media can produce world-class, impactful journalism that resonates on a global scale.
Khadija Benguenna’s Signal Award is more than a personal achievement; it is:
A global endorsement of truthful and courageous storytelling.
Proof that profound human stories transcend borders and languages.
A proud moment for Arab media, showcasing its capacity to lead international conversations on crucial issues.
This award confirms that a professional commitment to truth-telling can earn a place on the world's most prestigious media stages.