The new awards, ‘The Society of Editors Regional Press Awards’, will judge the work of regional and local newspapers during 2010. They will be organised on behalf of the industry by the Society of Editors with revenue generated by entry fees, table sales and sponsorship. It is intended that any surplus will go to the Journalists’ Charity.
Newspaper Society members have undertaken to participate in and support the awards and to avoid taking part in any competing UK-wide events.
Holdthefrontpage and the Press Association are also supporting the awards which will be launched in the next ten days on a new website which will carry full details of categories and where entrants can be registered and entries submitted.
Entries will open on 14 February and close on 8 March and shortlists will be published in early April. Newspaper consultant and designer Peter Sands will chair the judges. A lunchtime awards ceremony will be held in London on 11 May, to coincide with the Newspaper Society AGM and Local Newspaper Week 2011 (9-15 May).
Details on how to enter the awards will be published shortly on a dedicated website.
This announcement 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 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 (pictured), 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.
About the Society of Editors
The Society of Editors represents more than 400 members in national, regional and local newspapers, magazines, broadcasting, digital media, media law and journalism education and campaigns for media freedom, freedom of expression and the public’s right to know.
About the Newspaper Society
The NS is the voice of Britain’s regional and local media, a sector focused on providing local news and information across its 1,200 daily and weekly newspaper titles, 1500 websites and other print, digital and broadcast channels.
