2026 Shorenstein Journalism Award: Shibani Mahtani on Democratic Backsliding in Southeast Asia

In her 15 years reporting on Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, Shibani Mahtani has witnessed the region’s once-vibrant press corps dwindle in size, as journalists are jailed, harassed, and sued by governments. This pressure, along with an industry-wide strain on the business of journalism, has forced many outlets to shutter. In her keynote address, she will discuss how this diminished media environment has had a profound impact on regional democracy at a time of seismic global instability and consider the challenges of navigating this reality.

Join APARC as we recognize Mahtani, winner of the 2026 Shorenstein Journalism Award, for her exemplary reporting that has brought critical attention to the erosion of democracy and human rights across Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Mahtani's keynote will be followed by a conversation with two experts: Anna Fifield, a New Zealand journalist, foreign affairs analyst, and winner of the 2018 Shorenstein Journalism Award, and Oren Samet, assistant professor of political science at Rice University. The event will conclude with an audience Q&A session.

Panel Chair: James Hamilton, vice provost for undergraduate education, Hearst Professor of Communication, and director of the Stanford Journalism Program.