Alisha Ryu, 2007 winner | 2003 winner
2007
Alisha Ryu is based in Nairobi, Kenya. In Iraq, she witnessed a suicide bombing on September 6 and gave a vivid description of the horrors Iraqis and American troops face on a daily basis. In Somalia, Ryu got to Mogadishu in August and December despite chaos and roving bands of militias and gave compelling exclusive reports.
2003 Award
Ryu, who is currently reporting from Baghdad, was embedded with a U.S. Army infantry division during the war in Iraq. “Her courageous, solid and tireless radio reporting persevered no matter how bad or dangerous the conditions became,” said VOA Director David Jackson. “Whether broadcasting from an aircraft carrier or a U.S army tank under fire, she calmly delivered colorful authoritative reports from the front lines that were widely used throughout VOA.”
Accepting her award via telephone from Iraq, Ryu described Baghdad as – “hot, sunny and dangerous.”