ENTRIES OPEN FOR 2025

Championing the regional journalism that tells it like it is.


Get ready to spotlight the headlines that matter most. The Regional Press Awards are back, and we're here to celebrate the best of the best in regional journalism across the UK.

We’re calling for entries from every corner of the newsroom – from the industry stalwarts who've been in the trenches for years to the fresh faces bringing new energy to the craft. Whether it’s breaking news, investigative features, or a human-interest story that stuck with readers long after the presses stopped, this is your chance to prove you’re the one to watch in local journalism.

ENTER BY 10 OCTOBER TO SAVE AVOID THE LATE FEE.


KEY INFORMATION

Don’t miss your shot at the most coveted awards in local journalism.

Dates

Entry deadline: Thursday 10 October

Final deadline: Thursday 24 October

Prices

Entry price: £85

Late price: £95

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.

Categories range 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.

WHY ENTER


1. CREDIBILITY AND STABILITY

Winning here isn’t just another notch on your CV – it’s a statement. It shows your paper or site has the authority and integrity that keep readers coming back. Advertisers notice that too. After all, who wouldn’t want to be associated with an award-winning publication?

2. CREATE A CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE

Winning this isn’t just about showing off. It’s about setting the standard in your newsroom. When your team sees their hard work recognised, it sends a clear message: quality journalism matters here.

3. PUT YOURSELF IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Whether you're a small-town paper or a digital upstart, taking home one of these awards is a surefire way to make people sit up and pay attention. It puts your paper on the map, drawing the interest of your peers and industry influencers alike.

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

READ MORE

https://www.theregionalpressawards.com/alison-gow-0


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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VIEW THE CATEGORIES


Individual Awards

Cathryn Nicholl Award

Designer of the Year

Feature Writer of the Year

NEW* 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 Commercial Partner

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

Organisation Award

News Brand of the Year (Small)

News Brand of the Year (Large)

YOU BE THE JUDGE


Our expert judging panels will consist of numerous industry professionals representing the full breadth of our industry. The judges are selected based on their expertise, experience and integrity and we pride ourselves on our rigorous and objective judging process.

Nominations to get involved are welcome from across the sector, either for yourself or a colleague using the link below. The final judging panel will be comprised of an inclusive range of individuals to fully represent the industry. Our aim is to give as many diverse voices (women, BAME, LGBTQ+, different ages / seniority, people with disabilities) a chance to determine the results of this industry-leading event.

It’s time to shine a light on the stories that have made a difference. 

The Regional Press Awards are all about championing the voices that matter, recognising the journalists who’ve gone the extra mile, and celebrating the publications that never stop delivering for their communities. Get your entries in and let’s show the world what local journalism is all about.

Check out our other Press Awards


Join us on Twitter: @RegPressAwards

#PressAwards #RegionalPressAwards