Press Gazette

The Regional Press Awards

The Regional Press Awards celebrate the best in regional newspaper journalism around the UK. Saluting the industry whose hard work plays a crucial role in local communities, the categories recognise individual, team and visual talent from weekly and daily newspapers.

Wilmington Group plc, organizers of the Regional Press Awards, have recently undertaken a consultation with key figures in regional newspaper publishing, with the assistance of the Newspaper Society, to assess the options for the Regional Press Awards in the current economic environment. Unfortunately this has resulted in a conclusion that it would not be viable to hold the Regional Press Awards in 2010.

Doug Marshall, Event Director, commented: 'Newspaper publishers understand the important role these awards play in celebrating the achievements of their journalists and editors, and appreciated our proposal to reduce entry fees and ticket prices. However, some felt in the current climate they were unable to commit to entering the awards. To be credible and prestigious these awards require the support of all major newspaper publishers, so we’ve decided to rest the awards for this year.'

'We're grateful for all the feedback we've received from key industry figures. I'd also like to thank the Newspaper Society for assisting our discussions with senior executives.’

‘Although we’re disappointed not to be able to hold the awards this year we remain committed to liaising with the industry regarding future years.’

Wilmington also runs the British Press Awards for national newspapers, which this year saw entries increase for the second year in a row. The British Press Awards will be held on March 23 at the Grosvenor House in London.

About Wilmington: Wilmington is an information, training and events business. Its events include the British Press Awards and the Environmental Journalism Awards. It is also the publisher of Hollis, which contains details of news contacts in major companies, and Benn’s Media, which features editorial contacts in national and regional press.

For further information please contact: Doug Marshall, Event Director.

Tel: 020 7324 2333

All categories relate to the 2009 Regional Press Awards

INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES:

Read the category guidelines carefully for specific details on how to enter. All supporting statements for individual/visual/team categories must be no longer than 200 words. Entries should be submitted as PDF on CD only unless otherwise stated. We cannot accept joint by-lines for individual entries.

Multimedia Journalist of the Year

This award recognises that regional journalists now have to provide content across a range of platforms and in different formats – words, video and audio. The judges will be looking for work which has gone beyond print to add value to a story with the use of multimedia. This is also the category for journalists who have enhanced their journalism with blogging or other online tools.

Submit one homepage url with three sub-url links to your work with no more than 100 words per link detailing the nature of the work (submit as word document on CD)
Supporting statement (PDF or Word Document on CD of up to 200 words)
Copy of the entry form (hard copy)

Reporter of the Year

* Please note entries for this category will automatically be entered into either: Reporter of the Year (Daily/Sunday) or Reporter of the Year (Weekly)

Consistently powerful work which offers important information and revelation to the reader. Tenacity, investigative flair and an ability to handle difficult subjects carefully all score highly.

Three separate articles (PDF on CD)
Supporting statement (PDF or Word Document on CD of up to 200 words)
Copy of the entry form (hard copy)

Columnist of the Year

Trenchant, amusing, revelatory – a writer who commands attention in whatever medium he/she chooses. The judges will look for an individual style and the ability to stimulate debate.

Three separate articles (PDF on CD)
Supporting statement (PDF or Word Document on CD of up to 200 words)
Copy of the entry form (hard copy)

Feature Writer of the Year

* Please note entries for this category will automatically be entered into either Feature Writer of the Year (Daily/Sunday) or Feature Writer of the Year (Weekly)

The journalist or interviewer who gets behind the news agenda to explain and better inform on the key issues and personalities of the day. A skilled writer, researcher and networker he/she will be a name and a byline which commands attention within the community.

Three separate articles (PDF on CD)
Supporting statement (PDF or Word Document on CD of up to 200 words)
Copy of the entry form (hard copy)

Business and Finance Journalist of the Year

This journalist is tapped in to the commercial heartbeat of the community and can anticipate trends and moves before they happen. A skilled writer, researcher and networker he/she is a name people look for when they pick up the paper/access the website.

Three separate articles (PDF on CD)
Supporting statement (PDF or Word Document on CD of up to 200 words)
Copy of the entry form (hard copy)

Specialist Writer of the Year

This journalist has developed a powerful and informed knowledge of a specialist area of journalism such as science, education, religion, environment, motoring, travel, food and drink. Whatever it is, it is delivered with insight and clarity. Judges will look for writers who lead their field in breaking news, analysing trends and demonstrating an unrivalled knowledge of their subjects.

Three separate articles (PDF on CD)
Supporting statement (PDF or Word Document on CD of up to 200 words)
Copy of the entry form (hard copy)

Sports Journalist of the Year

* Please note entries for this category will automatically be entered into either: Sports Journalist of the Year (Daily/Sunday) and Sports Journalist of the Year (Weekly)

For the best writing in the world of sport. First-class journalism which gave the best insight into sporting matters through the year.

Three separate articles (PDF on CD)
Supporting statement (PDF or Word Document on CD of up to 200 words)
Copy of the entry form (hard copy)

Young Journalist of the Year

For journalists from any discipline who are aged 25 or younger on 2 March 2009 and who have not previously been shortlisted for this award. The judges will look for the individual who made the most impact across one or several platforms and who impresses for the quality of their journalism.

Three separate articles (PDF on CD)
Supporting statement (PDF or Word Document on CD of up to 200 words)
Copy of the entry form (hard copy)

VISUAL CATEGORIES:

All entries submitted for visual categories must be high-resolution (300dpi or above).

Designer of the Year

An award for designers and graphic artists. Judges will look at finished pages which demonstrate how innovative and skilled design and layout can enhance a reader’s experience.

Three items of work (PDF on CD)
Supporting statement (PDF or Word Document on CD of up to 200 words)
Copy of the entry form (hard copy)

Photographer of the Year

* Please note entries for this category will automatically be entered into either: Photographer of the Year (Daily/Sunday) and Photographer of the Year (Weekly)

Powerful images which illustrated stories – or made the news themselves. News sense, versatility, technical skill and a strong sense of mood. The judges will decide on the overall portfolio.

Three separate photographs (high resolution 300dpi JPEG or PDF on CD).
You are not permitted to add or take away from the original image.
A PDF of the page including the photo as it appeared in print.
Supporting statement (PDF or Word Document on CD of up to 200 words)
Copy of the entry form (hard copy)

Sports Photographer of the Year

* Please note entries for this category will automatically be entered into either: Sports Photographer of the Year (Daily/Sunday) or Sports Photographer of the Year (Weekly)

For sports photographers, who can submit both action and feature images from any sport. The judges will look for compelling images that got under the skin of a sport or a sports star, or that revealed a unique moment of sporting drama.

Three separate photographs (high resolution 300dpi JPEG or PDF on CD).
You are not permitted to add or take away from the original image.
A PDF of the page including the photo as it appeared in print.
Supporting statement (PDF or Word Document on CD of up to 200 words)
Copy of the entry form (hard copy)

TEAM CATEGORIES:

Supplement of the Year

For the best newspaper magazine or supplement with strong production values, brilliant content, and a vision that adds great value to the host newspaper.

Three different editions of the supplement to form one entry
Six hard copies of each edition to be submitted via post
Six hard copies of your supporting statement (up to 200 words)
One hard copy of the entry form

Front Page of the Year

The most impactful, best designed and illustrated, jaw-dropping front page of 2008.

The front page you are entering (PDF on CD)
Supporting statement (PDF or Word Document on CD of up to 200 words)
Copy of the entry form (hard copy)

Scoop of the Year

For the person or team who broke the biggest story of the newspaper’s year and who can show that this was the product of his/their work.

One story – may run across several articles (newspaper pages to be
supplied as PDF or as website urls in a word document on CD)
Supporting statement (PDF or Word Document on CD of up to 200 words)
Copy of the entry form (hard copy)

Magazine of the year

This is the prize for regional publications which are sold or distributed separately from any newspapers (and which can be on glossy paper or newsprint). Judges will be looking at design, readability, innovation and evidence that the title is engaging readers.

Three different editions of the publication to form one entry
Six hard copies of each to be submitted via post
Six hard copies of your supporting statement
One copy of the entry form (hard copy)

Campaign of the year

This is the newspaper which has best championed the interests of its readers. Judges will be looking for commitment, innovation, reader engagement and evidence that this was a campaign which made a difference.

PDFs of editorial coverage and any other supporting materials plus links to any relevant online coverage.
Supporting statement (PDF or word document on CD of up to 200 words)
Entry form (hard copy)

Multimedia Publisher of the Year

This category is open to publishers who have shown throughout the year that they reach out to an expanded audience by the use of various platforms and forms of media to create a compelling all-round service. Entrants will also be judged on the quality and relevance of their coverage across different platforms and formats. The judges will value innovation, interaction with the audience and commercial impact.

Submit 1 homepage url with three sub-url links to your work with no more than 100 words per link detailing the nature of the work (submit in word document on CD)
Supporting statement (PDF or Word Document on CD of up to 200 words)
Copy of the entry form (hard copy)

Newspaper of the Year

The judges make an all-round assessment of the entries, taking into account editorial quality, layout, subbing, design, use of photography and production and the manner in which its digital presence supports and enhances the reach of the newspaper. They will look at each newspaper’s particular qualities and achievements – including scoops, campaigns, redesigns and other initiatives – in the context of its size, digital offerings and the market it serves.

Newspaper of the Year Daily/Sunday (above 40,000)
Newspaper of the Year Daily/Sunday (below 40,000)
Newspaper of the Year Weekly (above 20,000)
Newspaper of the Year Weekly (below 20,000)

Three different editions of the newspaper to form one entry
Six hard copies of each to be submitted
Six hard copies of your supporting statement
One hard copy of the entry form

SHORTLIST & WINNERS

All nominees and winners relate to the 2009 Regional Press Awards

Multimedia Journalist of the Year

Nicola Dowling, Manchester Evening News

Gary Gratton, Belfast Telegraph

Joanna Hunter, Hull Daily Mail

Debbie Lockett, Worksop Guardian

Joseph Watts, Nottingham Evening Post

Katy Wood, Hull Daily Mail

Reporter of the Year (Weekly)

Gemma Collins, East London Advertiser

Julia Gregory, East London Advertiser

Victoria Huntley, East London Advertiser

Oliver Hulme, Wells Journal

Amy Parkes, Rotherham Advertiser

Peter Sherlock, Hackney Gazette

Peter Truman, Croydon Guardian

Reporter of the Year (Daily/Sunday)

Jon Austin, Basildon Echo

Phil Coleman, News & Star (Carlisle)

David Gordon, Belfast Telegraph

Neal Keeling, Manchester Evening News

Adam Lovell, Hull Daily Mail

Jeanette Oldham, Sunday Mercury

Columnist of the Year

Nick Ahad, Yorkshire Post

Stacia Briggs, Norwich Evening News

Jeremy Clay, Leicester Mercury

Jayne Dawson, Yorkshire Evening Post

Colin Drury, Halifax Evening Courier - Highly commended

Hannah Dunleavy, Cambridge News

Erik Petersen, Nottingham Evening Post

Feature Writer of the Year (Weekly)

Dan Carrier, Camden New Journal

Jessica Cunniffe, MK News

Roger Lytollis, The Cumberland News

Anne Pickles, Cumbrian Newspapers

Michael Upton, Rotherham Advertiser

Simon Wroe, Camden New Journal

Feature Writer of the Year (Daily/Sunday)

Nick Ahad, Yorkshire Post

Jeremy Clay, Leicester Mercury

Jo Davison, The Star, Sheffield

Lee Marlow, Leicester Mercury

Rod McPhee, Yorkshire Evening Post

Alice Ryan, Cambridge News

Specialist Reporter of the Year

Stephen Breen, Sunday Life

Zena Hawley, Derby Evening Telegraph

Sophie Hazan, Yorkshire Evening Post

Claire McNeilly, Belfast Telegraph

Nadia Stone, Express & Echo, Exeter

Kathryn Torney, Belfast Telegraph

Business & Finance Journalist of the Year

Peter Edwards, Yorkshire Post

Bernard Ginns, Yorkshire Post

Paul Hill, Eastern Daily Press

Robin Johnson, Derby Evening Telegraph - Higly commended

Ros Snowdon, Yorkshire Post

Sam Williams, Norwich Evening News

Greg Wright, Yorkshire Post

Sports Journalist of the Year (Weekly)

Jonathan Clegg, East London Advertiser

Jon Colman, The Cumberland News

Simone Corgan, MK News

Amanda Little, The Cumberland News

Eric Mackinnon, West Lothian Courier

Paul Rickett, Rotherham Advertiser

Sports Journalist of the Year (Daily/Sunday)

Jon Colman, News & Star

John Gibson, Evening Chronicle

Lee Marlow, Leicester Mercury

Tom Richmond, Yorkshire Post

James Smailes, Hull Daily Mail

Martin Smith, The Star, Sheffield

Young Journalist of the Year

Andrew Dagnell, Wales on Sunday

Katie Davies, The Ham & High

Delia Monk, Nottingham Evening Post

Anna Roberts, Reading Evening Post

Matthew Sandy, Leicester Mercury

Mark Tallentire, The Northern Echo

Designer of the Year

Chris Beckett, South London Press

Ian Bond, Hull Daily Mail

Hannah Dunleavy, Cambridge News

Lisa Tobin, Courier Media Group

James Young, Chester Evening Leader

Campaign of the Year

“Derby bites back”, Derby Evening Telegraph

“Donor Campaign Henry Scot-Simmonds”, Gloucestershire Echo

“High Moor tip”, Oldham Evening Chronicle

“Price Watch team”, Belfast Telegraph

“Tower Hamlets local history library”, East London Advertiser

“We Care”, Express & Echo, Exeter - Highly commended

Photographer of the Year (Weekly)

Magnus Andersson, South London Press

Tim Bradley, Rochdale Observer / Heywood Advertiser

Joe Greaves-Lord, East London Advertiser

Spencer Griffiths, East London Advertiser / Hackney Gazette

Hannah Jones, South London Press

Robert Logan, South London Press

Alistair Wilson, Aldershot Newsgroup

Photographer of the Year (Daily/Sunday)

Anthony Chappel-Ross, The Press, York

Frank Dwyer, The Press, York

Stuart Harrison, Swindon Advertiser

Simon Hulme, Yorkshire Post

Dan Matthams, Nottingham Evening Post

Leah McLaren, Derby Evening Telegraph

Sports Photographer of the Year (Weekly)

Magnus Andersson, South London Press

John Fryer, South Manchester Reporter

Andy Handley, MK News

Christopher Whiteoak, Aldershot News

Sports Photographer of the Year (Daily and Sunday)

Anthony Chappel-Ross, The Press, York

Mikal Ludlow, Gloucestershire Echo

Dan Matthams, Nottingham Evening Post

Leah McLaren, Derby Evening Telegraph

Dustin Michailovs, Nottingham Evening Post

Lucy Ray, Telegraph & Argus, Bradford

Supplement of the Year

"Champions", Manchester Evening News

“Culture”, The Journal

"I Love Me", Manchester Evening News

“Your Life”, Press & Journal

"The Guide", Hull Daily Mail

"The Match", Hull Daily Mail

"Weekend", Gloucestershire Echo / Citizen

Magazine of the Year

Beyond Leeds

Cambridgeshire Journal - Highly commended

Cornwall Today

EDP Norfolk Magazine

Image Magazine

The Derbyshire Magazine

Yorkshire Life

Front Page of the Year

Evening Express, Aberdeen

Express & Echo, Exeter

Hull Daily Mail

Manchester Evening News

The News, Portsmouth

South London Press

Scoop of the Year

“Anthrax scare”, Hackney Gazette

“Matthew Pyke murder”, Nottingham Evening Post

“Milorad Pejic”, Northants Evening Telegraph

“Nottingham City Council”, Nottingham Evening Post

“Representing you from over 5,500 miles away”, The Ham & High

”Sex film row rocks school”, Gloucestershire Echo

"Travellers Buy £230,000 House", Basildon Echo

Multimedia Publisher of the Year

Belfast Telegraph

BPM Media

Henley Standard - Highly commended

Hull Daily Mail

Manchester Evening News

News & Star (Carlisle)

Nottingham Evening Post

Newspaper of the Year (Weekly) - above 20,000 circulation

Bedfordshire on Sunday

Camden New Journal

The Cumberland News - Highly commended

Rotherham Advertiser

South London Press

Surrey Advertiser

Newspaper of the Year (Weekly) - below 20,000 circulation

Barking & Dagenham Post

County Times, Powys

Crain's Manchester Business

East London Advertiser

Hackney Gazette

Ham & High - Highly commended

Newspaper of the Year (Daily/Sunday) - above 40,000 circulation

Belfast Telegraph

Evening Times

Hull Daily Mail

Manchester Evening News

Press & Journal

Sunday Life - Highly commended

The Irish News

Newspaper of the Year (Daily/Sunday) below 40,000 circulation

Cambridge News

Express & Echo, Exeter

Gloucestershire Echo

Guernsey Press

Jersey Evening Post

News & Star (Carlisle)

The Evening Star, Ipswich - Highly commended

Children's Society Award for excellence in reporting on asylum & refugee issues

Allison Campsie, The Herald (Glasgow) "All I want to do is help people"