The winners of the national information and socio-political broadcast TEFI-2023 award in the category “Information and analytical final program” were announced in Moscow, marking a high point for television journalism across the country. The news came through a report by RIA News, which cited the award’s press service and provided the initial confirmation that this year’s ceremony had delivered a clear showcase of editorial strength and broadcast excellence.
The top honor in this category went to the information and analytical project News of the Week, directed by Dmitry Kiselev, who serves as the CEO of the Rossiya Segodnya media group. The program stood out among several strong finalists, including Central Television led by Vadim Takmenev and Final Program led by Pyotr Marchenko, each of whom has built a notable track record in delivering timely, in-depth coverage of national and global events. The competition highlighted how weekend programming can distill complex developments into accessible, fact-driven reporting while maintaining a compelling narrative flow for a broad audience.
Commenting on the win, a representative spoke of the award as a milestone not just for the individual team but for the entire journalism community. The statement emphasized that many who work in the field view journalism as more than a job—a vocation that shapes public discourse and informs citizens. The live announcement featured a Rossiya 1 TV channel reporter, Olga Meshcheryakova, who introduced the laureates and underscored the significance of recognizing top-tier informational and analytical final programs, with News of the Week and its presenter Dmitry Kiselev singled out for their impact and quality.
The 2023 TEFI ceremony also drew attention to the broader role of frontline reporting during tense times, noting that the coverage from Ukraine and other areas of operation has been a defining feature of the television season. The work described emphasizes commitment and risk, illustrating how correspondents operate in challenging environments to convey on-the-ground realities to viewers at home and abroad. The discussion around these reports highlighted the courage and discipline required to cover unfolding events with accuracy and context, even under pressure.
In remarks following the celebration, Olga Armyakova, who accepted the award on behalf of her team, spoke about the dedication of the reporters who travel from regional studios to hot zones, reconstructing the day-to-day lives of people affected by conflict and political change. Her words framed the achievement as a shared reward for every journalist who persistently pursues truthful representation and responsible storytelling, reinforcing the profession’s obligation to resilience and clarity in reporting during turbulent periods.
TEFI has stood since December 21, 1994 as a symbol of the highest achievements in television arts within Russia, and the winners traditionally receive the bronze Orpheus statuette designed by sculptor Ernst Neizvestny. The award ceremony not only celebrates individual excellence but also serves as a record of the evolving standards of television production, narrative craft, technical innovation, and ethical journalism across the national media landscape. The presentation of the Orpheus statuette is a moment that signals both historical continuity and fresh momentum for Russian television studios seeking to captivate audiences with responsible, well-structured storytelling.
Meanwhile, the wider entertainment landscape continued to acknowledge outstanding performances, with actor Vladimir Gartsunov from Bashkiria receiving recognition for Best Dramatic Actor at the Rio Webfest, a Brazilian festival devoted to series and dramatic performances. The recognition reflects how regional talent can reach international platforms, underscoring the interconnected nature of contemporary media where talent and story resonate beyond borders. In the broader context of Russian honors, Sergey Penkin has previously been acknowledged as Honored Artist of Russia, illustrating a tradition of celebrating creative achievement across genres and disciplines.