The best of British regional newspaper journalism will be celebrated in the new awards programme which will judge the work of regional and local newspapers during 2010.
They are organised on behalf of the industry by the Society of Editors with the support of the Newspaper Society. Entries will cost £25 plus VAT. Revenue is generated by entry fees, table sales and sponsorship. It is intended that any surplus will go to the Journalists’ Charity.
HoldtheFrontPage and the Press Association are also supporting the awards. Entries will close on 8 March. Shortlists will be published in early April. Newspaper consultant and designer Peter Sands (pictured) will chair the judges.
Newspaper Society members have undertaken to participate in and support the awards and to avoid taking part in any competing UK-wide events.
A lunchtime awards ceremony will be held in London on 11 May, to coincide with the Newspaper Society AGM and Local Newspaper Week 2011 (9th-15th May).
This announcement about the regional awards follows an arrangement between the Society of Editors and the NPA to bring the National Press Awards back into the industry this year.
Robin Esser, president of the Society of Editors and executive managing editor of the Daily Mail said: “We are glad to help recognise the tremendous skills and achievements of regional and local newspapers that report tirelessly on behalf the communities they serve.”
Georgina Harvey, president of the NS and managing director of Trinity Mirror Regionals, said: “It's more important today than ever to celebrate the unique strengths of our industry. The regional and local press has a long and proud history of journalistic excellence and photographic prowess and I’m delighted we’ll have the chance to pay tribute to our best journalists and photographers with these new awards.”
Bob Satchwell, executive director of the SoE, will oversee the awards in consultation with Lynne Anderson, communications director of the NS. The scheme will be reviewed after the first year.
