The jury of the Iskra Yuga (Spark of the South) journalist contest named after V. V. Smirnov has selected finalists of the eighteenth season. The project is being implemented by ANO "Innovative Humanitarian Projects" and Center-invest Bank with the support of the Expert Yug (Expert South) business media outlet.

In 2025, the contest received 593 applications in 11 categories from 166 editorial offices across Russia. The list of finalists in 11 nominations and their works can be viewed on the contest website.

The winners will be chosen by direct vote and announced during the final day of the contest, on January 30. The final day will feature master classes for journalists, including "Neural Networks in the Editorial Office: How to Use Technology Without Losing Trust" by Renat Kasymov, media expert, analyst, and project manager in the field of artificial intelligence, and "Magic Technologies: How to Promote Regional Media with Minimal Costs" by Marina Sheina, journalist, media manager, and member of expert club of the New Media Workshop program, as well as the prize winners award ceremony.

The master classes and award ceremony will be broadcast on the Expert Yug (Expert South) business media page in VKontakte social network. You can view the detailed event program and register for in-person participation using the link.