Young Journalist of the Year
Open to journalists aged 26 or under on 31 December
2024. Entries can include work from any journalistic
discipline. The award is supported by the Cecil King
Memorial Foundation and the winner will receive a
£5,000 bursary to be used for travel to research an
agreed article or series of articles for their title.
Health Journalist of the Year
For journalists specialising in health-related topics. Judges
will look for the ability to explain complex concepts
with authority and clarity, the ability to break news and
consistently high standards of originality and creativity
Photographer of the Year
This category is open to news or features
photographers. Judges will be looking for versatility in
style and subject matter, technical skills and the ability
to capture images that stand out from the pack.
News Reporter of the Year
This award recognises excellence in reporting. The
winner will demonstrate a track record of breaking
exclusives, expertly researched stories and quality
writing. Tenacity, flair and investigative skill will all score
highly
Feature Writer of the Year
This award covers all forms of long-form journalism,
from colour writing to news analysis, background
pieces or profiles. Judges will look for an ability to
impart original insight and key information as well as
the ability to entertain and impress through quality
writing
Critic of the Year
This category is open to reviews and criticism across
any area of journalism – from theatre, music and others
cultural forms to food, motoring or technology. The
winner will be a writer who can enlighten, entertain and
bring knowledge and substance to their work
Columnist of the Year
For columnists across all topics, styles and channels.
The winner will be a writer who is a must-read, with a
distinctive style and the ability to provoke debate and
change perceptions among readers
Interviewer of the Year
For interviewers across all topics, styles and channels.
The key attributes judges will consider are the ability to
get under the skin of the interviewee, turn an interview
into an engaging and enjoyable piece of writing and,
where relevant, to find a news angle or a brilliant hook.
Science and Technology Journalist of the Year
For journalists specialising in science and/or
technology. Judges will look for the ability to explain
complex concepts with authority and clarity, the ability
to break news and consistently high standards of
originality and creativity
Showbiz Reporter of the Year
Open to journalists, interviewers and commentators
who write about show business. Judges will be looking
for the best scoops and most informed writing in
show business which includes the worlds of stage,
screen, TV and the music industry.
Foreign Reporter of the Year
For journalists working in a foreign country or countries,
on behalf of a UK news organisation. Judges will look for
clarity of reporting, ability to break news and evidence of
the ability to make contacts in foreign markets.
Political Journalist of the Year
Open to either reporters or commentators on political
matters in the UK or globally. Judges will look for the
ability to break news, predict trends, analyse topics or
explain issues to a general audience
Environment Journalist of the Year
For journalists specialising in environmental topics.
Judges will look for the ability to explain complex
concepts with authority and clarity, the ability to break
news and consistently high standards of originality and
creativity
Travel Journalist of the Year
Open to journalists covering travel across all forms,
including news and analysis, features or reviews. Judges
will look for originality, a deep understanding of the
topic and consistently high standards of writing
Data Journalist of the Year
For journalists who are making use of the wealth
of data and information that is now available to
newsrooms. It could be using their skills to mine data
bases for that nugget of information that cracks a
story wide open, or fantastic use of FOI, or tracking
down and interpreting facts for readers in a way that
uncovers an unexpected insight into an important
story
The Hugh Mcilvanney Award for Sports Journalist of the Year
For news writers, match reporters, feature writers,
interviewers and columnists. Entries may be from a
variety of sports or a single sport. Judges will look
for consistently high quality writing, agenda-setting
reporting and originality in presentation
Specialist Journalist of the Year
Open to journalists who specialise in a topic not
covered by any other category, such as: education,
arts, food, gardening, motoring, defence, showbiz or
fashion. Judges will be looking for a mastery of the
topic, originality and flair in writing and a track record
of tackling important topics
Sports Photographer of the Yea
This category is open to sports photographers. Judges
will be looking for versatility in style and subject matter,
technical skills and the ability to capture images that
stand out from the pack.
Cartoonist of the Year
Open to pocket cartoons strips, caricatures, political
cartoons and illustrations. Judges will look for cartoons
that stand out from the crowd and are relevant to the
context they appear in, be they illuminating the news
agenda or adding colour to features
Business and Finance Journalist of the Year
Open to reporters, interviewers and commentators
who write about economics, finance, business or
personal finance. Judges will look for the ability to
break news, predict trends, analyse topics or explain
issues to a general audience.
