These awards!

The Regional Press Awards bring our industry together to highlight the significance of journalism in society and recognise exceptional talent. By entering the Regional Press Awards, you have the chance to proudly showcase the greatness of your work, organisation, or team to the entire industry.

These Awards offer an opportunity to gain recognition for excellence across 20 categories - including new categories that honour young journalists, audience engagement initiatives and digital projects.

Categories

Individual Awards 

This award is open to any journalist working for a weekly or daily local or regional newspaper published in the UK, who is aged between 18 and 25 as of the 31 December 2023. Entrants must submit a published feature or news story based on an interview that they have carried out with a well- known person or celebrity during the eligible period for these awards. The judges will be looking for what they consider to be the best entry on the basis of quality, flair and originality of the prose and contribution to public debate or entertainment.

Set up and judged by the News Media Association, this Award has been launched in memory of Cathryn Nicoll, who held the position of News Editor at the Croydon Advertiser during her career as a journalist. Cathryn was known for her passionate belief in journalistic standards and training, and the award will highlight and reward brilliant interviewing and feature writing by young journalists, with a cash prize of £500 for the winner.
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Cathryn Nicholl Award

Please provide three different examples of the nominee's work, published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), which supports this application. These should be bylined solely by the nominee – if not, please provide further information in the citation about their involvement in the work.

You should attach the examples of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and two images (one of an example of the work as well as a headshot).

The citation can include: information about nominee, about the entry and its effectiveness, any relevant data and testimonials from colleagues, managers, readers and other relevant parties).

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information on the three examples of work including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

Open to journalists who specialise in a particular topic, from science, technology or business to music, travel or motoring. Judges will be looking for a mastery of the topic, originality and flair in writing and a track record of tackling important topics.
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Specialist Journalist of the Year

Please provide three different examples of the nominee's work, published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), which supports this application. These should be bylined solely by the nominee – if not, please provide further information in the citation about their involvement in the work.

You should attach the examples of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and two images (one of an example of the work as well as a headshot).

The citation can include: information about nominee, about the entry and its effectiveness, any relevant data and testimonials from colleagues, managers, readers and other relevant parties).

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information on the three examples of work including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

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.
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Reporter of the Year (Daily)

Please provide three different examples of the nominee's work, published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), which supports this application. These should be bylined solely by the nominee – if not, please provide further information in the citation about their involvement in the work.

You should attach the examples of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and two images (one of an example of the work as well as a headshot).

The citation can include: information about nominee, about the entry and its effectiveness, any relevant data and testimonials from colleagues, managers, readers and other relevant parties).

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information on the three examples of work including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

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.
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Sports Journalist of the Year

Please provide three different examples of the nominee's work, published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), which supports this application. These should be bylined solely by the nominee – if not, please provide further information in the citation about their involvement in the work.

You should attach the examples of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and two images (one of an example of the work as well as a headshot).

The citation can include: information about nominee, about the entry and its effectiveness, any relevant data and testimonials from colleagues, managers, readers and other relevant parties). 

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information on the three examples of work including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

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.
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Reporter of the Year (Weekly)

Please provide three different examples of the nominee's work, published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), which supports this application. These should be bylined solely by the nominee – if not, please provide further information in the citation about their involvement in the work.

You should attach the examples of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and two images (one of an example of the work as well as a headshot).

The citation can include: information about nominee, about the entry and its effectiveness, any relevant data and testimonials from colleagues, managers, readers and other relevant parties).

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information on the three examples of work including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

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.
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Feature Writer of the Year

Please provide three different examples of the nominee's work, published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), which supports this application. These should be bylined solely by the nominee – if not, please provide further information in the citation about their involvement in the work.

You should attach the examples of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and two images (one of an example of the work as well as a headshot).

The citation can include: information about nominee, about the entry and its effectiveness, any relevant data and testimonials from colleagues, managers, readers and other relevant parties).

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information on the three examples of work including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

This category is open to news, sports 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.
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Photographer of the Year

Please provide three different examples of the nominee's work, published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), which supports this application. 

You should attach the images of work on their own as well as attaching the images of work displayed in the publication, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and a high resolution headshot.

The citation can include: information about nominee, about the entry and its effectiveness, any relevant data and testimonials from colleagues, managers, readers and other relevant parties.

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information on the three examples of work including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

This category is open to designers on any print title. Judges will be looking for an ability to create visually pleasing and innovative pages that also clearly aid readers in engaging with content, as well as an ability to create a distinctive look in keeping with the brand’s broader values.
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Designer of the Year

Please provide three different examples of the nominee's work, published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), which supports this application.

These should be bylined solely by the nominee – if not, please provide further information in the citation about their involvement in the work. You should attach the examples of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and two images (one of an example of the work as well as a headshot).

The citation can include: information about nominee, about the entry and its effectiveness, any relevant data and testimonials from colleagues, managers, readers and other relevant parties).

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information on the three examples of work including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

This award recognises an individual whose articles shed a light on important issues of wrongdoing and criminality, or unpick complex and important events no matter what the topic. The winner will demonstrate tenacity in their news gathering and an ability to present investigative work in a digestible and readable way, as well as being able to show that their work has made a real difference where appropriate.

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Crime & Investigative Reporter of the Year

Please provide three different examples of the nominee's work, published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), which supports this application.

These should be bylined solely by the nominee – if not, please provide further information in the citation about their involvement in the work. You should attach the examples of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and two images (one of an example of the work as well as a headshot).

The citation can include: information about nominee, about the entry and its effectiveness, any relevant data and testimonials from colleagues, managers, readers and other relevant parties).

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information on the three examples of work including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

For writers of columns, blogs, leaders and other forms of opinion 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.
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Opinion Writer of the Year

Please provide three different examples of the nominee's work, published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), which supports this application.

These should be bylined solely by the nominee – if not, please provide further information in the citation about their involvement in the work. You should attach the examples of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and two images (one of an example of the work as well as a headshot).

The citation can include: information about nominee, about the entry and its effectiveness, any relevant data and testimonials from colleagues, managers, readers and other relevant parties).

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information on the three examples of work including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

Open to journalists aged 26 or under on 31 December 2023. Entries can include work from any journalistic discipline. The award is supported by the Cecil King Memorial Foundation and the winner will receive a £2,500 bursary to be used for travel to research an agreed article or series of articles for their title.
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Young Journalist of the Year

Please provide three different examples of the nominee's work, published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), which supports this application.

These should be bylined solely by the nominee – if not, please provide further information in the citation about their involvement in the work. You should attach the examples of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and two images (one of an example of the work as well as a headshot).

The citation can include: information about nominee, about the entry and its effectiveness, any relevant data and testimonials from colleagues, managers, readers and other relevant parties).

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information on the three examples of work including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

Organisations Award 

Open to newspapers or to digital-only operations. This award recognises the brand that has made the most impact and provided the most high-quality, original and innovative coverage of events during the eligible period. Judges will be looking for consistent quality across all areas of editorial coverage, and evidence of journalistic impact.

Open to brands with below 50,000 total monthly reach for UK publications (not including Northern Ireland)/ below 10,000 circulation for Northern Ireland titles.
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News Brand of the Year (Small)

Please provide up to five relevant examples which supports your application. These should include two examples of the full issues of the newspaper and three examples of separate pieces of journalism within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023).

You should attach the examples of work required along with a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and the newspaper logo in jpeg or png format.

The citation should provide relevant context to the application, including sales and readership figures, commercial success, testimonials and impact of investigations or campaigns.

You can also optionally upload one document of supporting information with your five examples of work including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

Open to newspapers or to digital-only operations. This award recognises the brand that has made the most impact and provided the most high-quality, original and innovative coverage of events during the eligible period. Judges will be looking for consistent quality across all areas of editorial coverage, and evidence of journalistic impact.

Open to brands with above 50,000 total monthly reach for UK publications (not including Northern Ireland)/ above 10,000 circulation for Northern Ireland titles.
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News Brand of the Year (Large)

Please provide up to five relevant examples which supports your application. These should include two examples of the full issues of the newspaper and three examples of separate pieces of journalism within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023).

You should attach the examples of work required along with a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and the newspaper logo in jpeg or png format.

The citation should provide relevant context to the application, including sales and readership figures, commercial success, testimonials and impact of investigations or campaigns.

You can also optionally upload one document of supporting information with your five examples of work including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

Team Awards 

This category is open to stories, or multiple stories, on a topic that draws the envy of the rest of the journalistic profession. It can be entered by individuals or teams, with judges looking for exclusivity and impact above all else.
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Scoop of the Year

Please provide up to three relevant examples of journalism, published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), which supports your application.

You should attach the examples of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and two images of the scoop in the publication.

Please use the citation to provide context, including an overview of the reach, timing and aims of the campaign or scoop, and evidence of its impact.

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information to support your entry including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

This award is open to both digital-only publications and to websites produced by newspapers. Judges will be looking for evidence of how the website supports the overall brand proposition, how it is used as an editorial channel and how it complements and enhances other channels such as social media or newsletters – as well as user experience, presentation, use of multimedia and depth and originality of digital coverage. If appropriate, please include analytics concerning website performance, and indicate in your citation the factors you believe have driven this performance.

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News Website of the Year

Please provide a high resolution (300dpi) image of the website along with a mandatory citation which should provide context to the entry, including: audience reach data, audience demographic data, audience growth, and any additional channels or brands associated with the website.

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information to support your entry including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

The winner of this category will be a news brand that is consistently innovative across digital channels and, crucially, can show evidence of how these channels are connecting with audiences. Brands may enter either individual projects – for example, a newsletter, podcast or series of digital content – or consider their digital output in its entirety. Judges will be looking for originality and a clear understanding of how the work submitted brings the brand closer to its audience, ideally alongside measurable results.

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Digital Initiative of the Year

Please provide up to three relevant examples of journalism, published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), which supports your application. These could include images or links to live news coverage or news articles, podcasts, newsletters or social media posts. Please provide any context explaining the background to the work, as well as any evidence of its success in engaging its audience.

You should attach the examples of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and two images of the investigation in the publication.

The citation should provide context, including an overview of the reach, timing and aims of the investigation and evidence of its impact.

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information to support your entry including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

This award is open to any publication published as part of a newspaper, at any regularity and in any format. Judges will look at quality of content, use of design and photography and readability, as well as suitability of content for the target audience, brand and alignment with the broader parent publication.
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Supplement of the Year

Please provide three different examples of the supplement, published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), which supports your application.

You should attach the examples of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and two high resolution images of the supplement (one being of a supplement cover and then an additional image)

The citation should provide context relevant to the supplement, including details of its readership, distribution and aims, as well as any evidence of its success in engaging its audience. 

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information to support your entry including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting materia

An award celebrating the most memorable and impactful front page published in print during the eligibility period. Judges will look for originality, clarity and most of all immediate impact.

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Front Page of the Year

Please upload a digital version of the cover in PDF format published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), and use the citation to provide any context about how it was conceived and created, and how it was received by its audience.

You should attach the example of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and one high resolution (300dpi) image of the front page.

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information to support your entry including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

This award is open to all titles, and can be entered by individuals or teams. It celebrates campaigns that capture attention and achieve tangible results. Judges will be looking for the importance of the cause, the originality of the approach and the end result.
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Campaign of the Year

Please provide up to three relevant examples of journalism, published within the awards eligibility period (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023), which supports your application.

You should attach the examples of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words and two images of the campaign in the publication.

Please use the citation to provide context, including an overview of the reach, timing and aims of the campaign or scoop, and evidence of its impact.

You can also optionally upload one document of additional supporting information to support your entry including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

This special award recognises the remarkable work of regional newspapers to ensure all communities are well represented in coverage. Entries can come from individual journalists of teams, and should demonstrate how they have ensured the diverse communities in their publication’s region are well served and that their journalists reach out to provide reporting that is inclusive and all-encompassing, regardless of ethnicity, ability, faith or sexuality.
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Reporting Communities Award

Please provide up to three relevant examples of journalism, published within the awards eligibility period (1st January 2021 to 31st October 2023), which supports your application. 

You should attach the examples of work required according to the criteria in PDF format, a mandatory citation of up to 500 words (or a two-page A4-sized document) and one image (high resolution 300 dpi) from an article in the publication.

Please use the citation to give any context to these examples, as well as providing further details of other aspects of your work which you believe demonstrate your commitment to representing your community.

You can also optionally upload any supporting information on your three examples of work including testimonials etc (please keep in mind the size/length of the supporting material).

This category recognises the importance of breaking news stories to news brands, and the considerable skill and innovation to bringing these stories to audiences. Entrants may cite either a single breaking story or event across any specialism, including sport, or may consider their coverage of breaking news across the entire year, in all relevant channels. Judges will be looking for responsiveness, accuracy and depth in coverage, as well as innovation in the way it is presented to audiences.

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