Two standout journalists from Nova TV—Ema Branica and Ivan Kaštelan—have been honored with prestigious accolades for their powerful storytelling and unwavering commitment to highlighting societal challenges.

Ema Branica, a longtime journalist and host of the investigative TV show Provjereno, was awarded the Lighthouse, award by the Croatian Anti-poverty Network. She was recognized for her powerful report on homelessness in Zagreb, filmed during the holiday season. In her story, Branica not only highlighted the harsh realities of life on the streets but also the devoted work of volunteers from the initiative From Heart to Heart who provide help to those most in need. “I want to thank Nova TV and my beloved Provjereno for giving me the opportunity to tell stories like this. Cameraman Mišo Maoduš and I spent nights on public transportation filming the homeless who find shelter there. While most of them didn’t want to be filmed, we tried to capture what they go through. We joined volunteers delivering supplies and offering support. I also thank the Croatian Network Against Poverty for recognizing our work on this important topic. The homeless are invisible—we forget that they are part of our society, and the system offers very little,” Branica said.

What makes this award particularly meaningful is that the jury is composed entirely of individuals with lived experience of poverty.

Ivan Kaštelan, Nova TV’s correspondent from Split, received the Heart of Dalmatia award from Slobodna Dalmacija for his work in television journalism. He was awarded for his truthful and committed reporting on life in Split and the Dalmatian region in Croatia. “The starting point for every story is always the people, the place, excellence, and the way of life, all of which I prioritize over the interests of powerful individuals and big capital. Defending these values will be especially challenging in the years ahead,” Kaštelan said upon receiving the award. Kaštelan has been part of the Nova TV Dnevnik team since 2019. He is already a recipient of several journalism awards, including the HND’s Siniša Glavašević award for local journalism, which he received last year.

Once again, Nova TV journalists are recognized for stories that resonate deeply and make a lasting impact.