2009 marks the 12th year the Knight International Journalism Awards have been given to “media professionals worldwide who have taken bold steps to keep citizens informed despite great obstacles.” This year’s winners — Cao Junwu of China and Chouchou Namegabe Nabintu of the Democratic Republic of the Congo — “were selected for their ability to tell important stories that others have shied away from despite the risks.”

Read more about the award, which was presented at the Knight Foundation Conference Center at the Newseum.