RECOGNISING THE REGIONAL JOURNALISM 

THAT TELLS IT LIKE IT IS

Championing the Regional Press, Connecting Stories, Celebrating Impact.

The Regional Press Awards have long been a fixture in UK journalism, recognising the grit, determination, and sheer talent that define our industry. 

Open to all corners of the regional press, past winners include some of the biggest names and stories to come out of local newsrooms, and this year promises to be no different.

These awards recognise excellence across a wide range of achievements. With 22 categories ranging from individual achievements in opinion, sport and specialist writing, to broader organisational honours like News Brand and News Website of the Year, there's something for everyone. 


You can find out more information on the categories, entry criteria, key dates for your diary and how and what you'll be entering by downloading our free entry kit below.



FIRST ENTRY DEADLINE: THURSDAY 18 SEPTEMBER 2025!


2025-09-18T22:59:00Z

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DOWNLOAD THE ENTRY KIT
START YOUR ENTRIES

KEY INFORMATION

KEY DATES

First entry deadline: 18 September 2025

Second entry deadline: 31 October 2025

Final entry deadline: 14 November 2025

Shortlist announced: December 2025

Award lunch ceremony: 11 March 2026

PRICES

First entry fee: £55

Second entry fee: £95


 First entry freelancer fee: £35

Second entry freelancer fee: £50

INTRODUCING OUR CO-CHAIRS OF JUDGES


Jeremy Clifford

Jeremy Clifford is a well-respected editorial leader having spent more than 30 years in the media industry and now working with publishers to help them to develop their digital brands.
An award-winning former editor of The Yorkshire Post, Yorkshire Evening Post, Sheffield Star and Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph, Jeremy has a wealth of experience  working with editorial teams to produce engaging, high quality and campaigning journalism.

What are you most looking forward to as a chair of judges this year?
Seeing the outstanding work - the best of the best our industry produces. Being able to celebrate that work and see the journalists rewarded for their efforts

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Alison Gow

Alison Gow has worked in journalism for more than 30 years and is a former newspaper and website editor for Wales on Sunday, Wales Online and the Daily Post. Widely known for her work in the development and implementation of digital journalism innovations with Reach plc, where she held various roles including Innovations Editor and Audience and Content Director, Audio and Video, she was also Publisher of the award-winning Laudable Podcasts.

What tip would you give entrants?
Don't leave your entries until the last minute - a rushed entry won't do you justice, so give yourself a deadline, ahead of the actual deadline, and stick to it.

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JUDGES TOP TIPS

MEET OUR JUDGING PANEL... 

With more to be announced soon...

MEET THE JUDGES

2026 CATEGORIES 

Individual Awards

Cathryn Nicholl Award

Crime & Investigative Reporter of the Year

Designer of the Year

Feature Writer of the Year

Opinion Writer of the Year

Photographer of the Year

Reporter of the Year (Daily)

Reporter of the Year (Weekly)

Specialist Journalist of the Year

Sports Journalist of the Year

Young Journalist of the Year

Team Awards

Best Live Coverage

Campaign of the Year

Digital Initiative of the Year

Front Page of the Year

News Website of the Year

Reporting Communities Award

Scoop of the Year

Supplement of the Year

Organisations Award

News Brand of the Year (Small)

News Brand of the Year (Large)

WHY SHOULD YOU ENTER?

TO CONNECT

Network with other industry professionals

This is the perfect chance to forge valuable relationships, expand your network, and unlock exciting possibilities in the world of regional journalism.


"I love coming! Celebrating, championing and shouting about everything we do in regional journalism... and seeing old friends that we only get to see once a year." 

- Ruby Kitchen, The Yorkshire Post

TO CELEBRATE

Toast your achievements at this prestigious event

After all your hard work, take time to celebrate with your team – enjoy a drinks reception, lunch and an awards ceremony honouring your excellence.


"A dazzling event. I'm made up, really really pleased!"

- James Holt, WINNER of Young Journalist of the Year, Manchester Evening News 

TO CHAMPION EXCELLENCE

Have your work honoured and gain industry recognition

See your work alongside the best of the regional press – this is your moment to shine and gain recognition for the impact of your articles.


"It was great to see brilliant examples of local journalism from all across the country."

- Isabelle Evans, Department of Culture, Media and Sports

ABOUT THE AWARDS

Decades of History, A Legacy of Excellence

The Regional Press Awards have long been a fixture in UK journalism, recognising the grit, determination, and sheer talent that define our industry. Past winners include some of the biggest names and stories to come out of local newsrooms, and this year promises to be no different.

Open to all corners of the regional press – from newspapers and digital publications to freelance reporters and entire editorial teams – these awards are about celebrating the stories that cut through the noise, bringing communities together and making change happen.

20 Categories ranging from the best in breaking news to digital initiatives, with separate recognition for larger and smaller titles. And, of course, there's the big one – News Brand of the Year – for the paper or site that’s raised the bar and delivered day in, day out.


WANT TO JOIN OUR JUDGING PANEL?

We invite dynamic professionals to self-nominate as judges for the Regional Press Awards.

Help shape the future of the regional journalism by recognising the exceptional talent making outstanding contributions to their field. 

If you're a passionate professional dedicated to making a difference in your field, nominate yourself today and help celebrate the next generation of journalist excellence.


NOMINATE A JUDGE

OUR 2026 PARTNERS

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Stand with local journalism.

Partner with the Regional Press Awards and support the editors, reporters, and publications keeping communities informed and connected.

Get your brand in front of the UK’s leading regional media through tailored packages with editorial, social, and event exposure.

It’s more than visibility - it’s a statement of support for the stories that matter.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Check out our other Press Awards

THE PRESS AWARDS
PRESS 30 UNDER 30

Join us on Twitter: @RegPressAwards

#PressAwards #RegionalPressAwards

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