Washington(Sunatimes) Somali journalist Harun Maruf Hassan has won a Gold Medal Award for his services to the Voice of America Somali Service.

The Broadcasting Board of Governors held a colorful ceremony in Washington D.C honoring a group of journalists, producers, and technicians and other staff members who were recognized for exemplary contributions towards the accomplishment of the mission and goals of the agency. The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) is an independent entity that is responsible for all U.S civilian international broadcasting including the Voice of America.

Among those recognized is Harun Maruf Hassan, a Senior Editor at Voice of America Somali Service. He is recognized in the category for deep commitment to VOA Somali Service, sound editorial judgment, and production oversight of Washington staff and stringers. The Gold Medal Award is the medal given by the BBG for highest achievement.

Harun M. Hassan is the first Somali journalist to win this prestigious award. Harun has been working for VOA for three years. During his employment, he has covered major events such the 2008 U.S elections including the Democratic National Convention in Colorado in 2008, the historic Inauguration of President Barack Obama in January 2009 and the Somaliland Presidential Elections in 2010 among others. On top of his editorial position in the Somali Service, Harun produced and presented several hard-hitting programs including the 40^{th anniversary of the 1969 Revolution of Mohamed Siyad Barre; the Effects of War on Youth and the recent documentary featuring the involvement of a controversial American woman (Michel Ballarin) in Somalia affairs.}

In the past, Harun has worked for several organizations including Associated Press, BBC and Human Rights Watch. He studied journalism at City University in London and has a Masters Degree in International Journalism.