Open to journalists aged between 18 and 25 during the eligibility period, working for a weekly or daily local or regional newspaper published in the UK. Entrants must submit a published feature or news story based on an interview they have conducted with a well-known person or celebrity during the eligibility period.

Judges will be looking for quality, flair and originality in interviewing and writing, as well as the contribution the piece makes to public debate or entertainment. Established by the News Media Association in memory of Cathryn Nicholl, former News Editor of the Croydon Advertiser, the award celebrates her commitment to journalistic standards and training. The winner will receive a cash prize of £500.

*This category is free to enter. 

This award recognises outstanding investigative journalism that shines a light on wrongdoing, criminality or complex issues of public interest.

Judges will be looking for tenacity in newsgathering, thorough investigation, clear and engaging storytelling, and evidence that the reporting has made a meaningful impact where appropriate.

Open to designers working on any print title.

Judges will be looking for visually engaging and innovative page design that enhances the reader experience while reflecting the publication's brand and editorial values.

This award recognises excellence in long-form journalism, including colour writing, news analysis, background features and profiles.

Judges will be looking for original insight, strong storytelling, authoritative reporting and writing that informs, engages and entertains.

Open to writers of columns, blogs, leaders and other forms of opinion across all topics and platforms.

Judges will be looking for a distinctive voice, compelling arguments and the ability to provoke debate, challenge perceptions and engage readers.

Open to news, sports and feature photographers.

Judges will be looking for technical excellence, versatility across subjects and styles, and the ability to produce images that are both impactful and memorable.

This award recognises excellence in reporting by journalists working for daily news brands.

Judges will be looking for a track record of breaking exclusive stories, thoroughly researched journalism and outstanding writing. Tenacity, news judgement and investigative skill will score highly.

This award recognises excellence in reporting by journalists working for weekly news brands.

Judges will be looking for a track record of breaking exclusive stories, thoroughly researched journalism and outstanding writing. Tenacity, news judgement and investigative skill will score highly.

Open to journalists who specialise in a particular subject, including science, technology, business, music, travel or motoring.

Judges will be looking for expert knowledge, originality, flair in writing and a track record of reporting on important issues within their specialist field.

Open to news writers, match reporters, feature writers, interviewers and columnists covering any sport or combination of sports.

Judges will be looking for consistently high-quality writing, agenda-setting reporting, originality and a strong understanding of their subject.

Open to journalists aged 26 or under on 31 December 2026. Entries may include work from any journalistic discipline. Supported by the Cecil King Memorial Foundation, this award recognises emerging journalistic talent.

Judges will be looking for originality, high-quality journalism, versatility and evidence of exceptional promise. The winner will receive a £2,500 bursary to be used for travel when researching an agreed article or series of articles for their publication.

Open to newspapers and digital-only news operations with a total monthly reach above 50,000 for UK publications (excluding Northern Ireland), or above 10,000 circulation for Northern Ireland titles. This award recognises the news brand that has made the greatest impact through high-quality, original and innovative journalism during the eligibility period.

Judges will be looking for consistent editorial excellence across all areas of coverage, evidence of journalistic impact, innovation across platforms and a strong understanding of the audiences and communities the brand serves.

Open to newspapers and digital-only news operations with a total monthly reach below 50,000 for UK publications (excluding Northern Ireland), or below 10,000 circulation for Northern Ireland titles. This award recognises the news brand that has made the greatest impact through high-quality, original and innovative journalism during the eligibility period.

Judges will be looking for consistent editorial excellence across all areas of coverage, evidence of journalistic impact, innovation across platforms and a strong understanding of the audiences and communities the brand serves.

This award recognises excellence in the coverage of breaking news and live events across any platform. Entries may focus on a single story or event across any specialism, including sport, or showcase a publication's live coverage throughout the eligibility period.

Judges will be looking for responsiveness, accuracy, depth of coverage and innovation in the way stories are presented to audiences.

Open to all titles and available for entry by individuals or teams, this award celebrates campaigns that capture attention and deliver tangible results.

Judges will be looking for the significance of the cause, the originality of the approach, the quality of the journalism and the impact achieved.

This award recognises news brands that demonstrate innovation across digital channels and can show how their work connects with audiences. Entries may cover an individual project, such as a newsletter, podcast or digital series, or a publication's digital output as a whole.

Judges will be looking for originality, innovation, a clear understanding of audience needs and evidence of measurable impact where possible.

This award recognises the most memorable and impactful front page published in print during the eligibility period.

Judges will be looking for originality, clarity and immediate impact.

Open to individuals or teams, this award recognises excellence in editorial content created for social media platforms. Entries may include breaking news, video, explainers, live coverage or other original content published across one or more social channels.

Judges will be looking for originality, editorial quality, creativity and innovation in storytelling, alongside evidence of audience engagement and impact.

Open to podcasts covering news, politics or current affairs, whether associated with a news brand or operating as a standalone entity.

Judges will be looking for excellence in presentation, originality of content, the expertise of presenters and contributors, and the podcast's ability to engage and connect with its audience.

Open to both digital-only publications and newspaper websites, this award recognises excellence in digital journalism and audience experience.

Judges will be looking for evidence of how the website supports the overall brand, delivers high-quality editorial content, complements other channels such as social media and newsletters, and provides an engaging user experience through presentation, multimedia and original journalism. Where appropriate, entrants should include website analytics and explain the factors driving performance.

This special award recognises outstanding journalism that reflects and serves the full breadth of the communities within a publication's area. Open to individuals or teams, entries should demonstrate how reporting has been inclusive, representative and responsive to the needs and experiences of local audiences.

Judges will be looking for meaningful community engagement, a commitment to inclusive reporting, originality in storytelling and evidence of impact.

Open to individuals or teams, this award recognises exclusive stories that stand out for their originality, significance and impact.

Judges will be looking for exclusivity, strong journalism and the impact of the reporting.

Open to any publication produced as part of a newspaper, in any format or frequency.

Judges will be looking for high-quality editorial content, effective use of design and photography, readability, and how well the supplement serves its target audience while reflecting the values of the parent publication.