Suni Merkistein wins Faroese cultural achievement award

Broadcaster Suni Merkistein has received the 2026 M.A. Jacobsen Award for cultural achievement for his programmes and storytelling on Kringvarp Føroya, the Faroese public broadcaster, KVF reported.

Tórshavn Municipality, which presents the award, said Merkistein’s work had highlighted historic, cultural and artistic milestones in Faroese society. The award is worth 75,000 kroner.

The citation described his programmes as important documentary work with significant social value, preserving and nurturing the Faroese language, culture, traditions and identity. It praised their range, from popular culture to high culture, and said they reflected dedication from the initial idea and script through to the finished work.

The citation also praised Merkistein’s sports commentary, distinctive style, imagination and command of Faroese. It said he upheld older forms of the language while also embracing new words and variations, and that his voice, vocabulary and storytelling had captivated and enriched Faroese people for decades.

When Stórhøllin við Tjarnir, a large hall, was completed, its media room was named “Merkistein” after him.