Integrity Media Honors Independent Journalists at Second Annual Awards

September 17, 2026

CHICAGO —Integrity Media celebrated journalists and news organizations committed to courageous, independent reporting at its second annual Independent Journalism Awards, held Thursday at the University Club of Chicago.

The awards recognize journalists and media organizations that demonstrate integrity, courage, and excellence while reporting stories that mainstream media will not.

Journalist Aaron Maté served as master of ceremonies. Maté is a reporter with The Grayzone, co-host of the podcast Useful Idiots, and a writer on Substack.

Judge Andrew P. Napolitano was the evening’s keynote speaker and an honoree. A familiar presence on national television for more than 30 years, Judge Napolitano is currently a senior judicial analyst for Newsmax.

The 2026 Excellence in Journalism Awards honored:

The Grayzone, founded and edited by Max Blumenthal, for its original investigative journalism and analysis of politics and empire.
Briahna Joy Gray, host of Bad Faith and a journalist and political commentator whose work has appeared in numerous publications.
Jamie Kalven and the Invisible Institute, an independent journalism production nonprofit based on Chicago’s South Side that helps citizens hold government accountable, protect human rights, and seek redress for constitutional violations.
Glenn Greenwald, a constitutional lawyer, investigative journalist, bestselling author, and host of System Update.

The 2026 Courage in Journalism Award recognized whistleblowers who risk their careers, freedom, and personal safety to bring important truths to the public. Greenwald accepted the award on behalf of whistleblowers everywhere.

In addition to supporting independent journalists and media organizations, Integrity Media produces the Unfettered Speech podcast, curates Free Speech News, and presents the annual Independent Journalism Awards.

About Integrity Media: Founded in 2023, Integrity Media is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect the right to free speech and create space for dissenting views by supporting independent media, journalists, publishers, and expert voices who seek the truth, free from corporate or partisan influences. Their projects include: the Unfettered Speech podcast, Free Speech News website, and the annual Independent Journalism Awards. For more information, visit integritymedia.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Edward Erikson, ed@eriksongroup.com, ava@eriksongroup.com