Meet the 2026 Citizen Journalist of the Year judging panel

Nick Shirley, David DesRosier, Sharyl Attkisson, and members of the O’Keefe Media Group team.

Our judging process is built on independent judgment, fairness, and unbiased evaluation. With nominations submitted by both the public and the panel, every nominee is evaluated using the same seven criteria: courage, impact, consistency, longevity, body of work, ethics, and storytelling.

Andy Ngo expanded his investigative reporting on political extremism during 2026, focusing on Antifa-related criminal cases, organized activist networks, and the activities of the group known as the Zizians. His reporting tracked developments in the 2025 attack on the Prairieland ICE detention facility in Texas, subsequent federal prosecutions, and alleged connections among suspects. Through original research, court-document analysis, and identification of individuals involved in extremist activities, Ngo helped bring national attention to cases receiving limited sustained coverage.

Anthony Rubin is the founder of muckraker.com, an independent investigative journalism organization focused on immigration, human trafficking, and government accountability. In October 2026, Rubin released Replacing Europe: Following the World's Deadliest Migration Route, documenting a six-month investigation tracing migration routes from Africa into Europe. His firsthand reporting examined the involvement of smugglers, criminal organizations, NGOs, and government agencies. His recent investigations have also explored election vulnerabilities, public benefits fraud, and nonprofit funding. Rubin's commitment to high-risk, investigative fieldwork has brought national attention to complex international issues and demonstrated the impact of independent journalism.

Cam Higby made a significant national impact in January 2026 through his undercover infiltration of Signal messaging groups used by Minneapolis activists opposing federal immigration enforcement. His reporting exposed how participants communicated about federal agents' locations and activities, prompting FBI Director Kash Patel to announce a federal investigation. Higby also participated in undercover reporting on Minnesota election procedures, making government accountability and firsthand investigations central to his work over the past year. The legality of the activists' communications remains disputed.

Savannah Hernandez continued her frontline reporting throughout 2026, covering immigration enforcement, demonstrations, and politically contentious events. Her reporting from Minneapolis brought attention to confrontations surrounding federal immigration operations and the dangers journalists encounter while covering protests. In April 2026, she was physically attacked while reporting outside the Whipple Federal Building, an incident that prompted law enforcement investigations and renewed discussion about journalist safety. She also contributed to national coverage of organized activist networks and immigration enforcement.

Tyler Oliveira expanded his documentary-style investigations, drawing millions of viewers to reporting on alleged public-benefits fraud, government spending, and conditions within American communities. His investigations into public funding and financial misconduct involving institutions in New York and New Jersey generated substantial national attention. Through direct interviews, on-location filming, and long-form video reporting, Oliveira has demonstrated the reach of independent digital journalism.

Nick Sortor gained national attention through his frontline coverage of immigration enforcement protests in Portland, Oregon, in October 2025. His arrest while reporting near an ICE facility became a major national controversy and raised questions about press freedom, police conduct, and the treatment of independent journalists. His footage and subsequent public appearances helped elevate the events to the national political stage, including participation in a White House discussion with President Trump. Sortor's reporting demonstrated the influence of independent, real-time journalism on national political discourse.