Regional Press Awards

CELEBRATING THE STORIES THAT MATTER MOST
FIRST ENTRY DEADLINE: 3 SEPTEMBER

Backed by the News Media Association, The Regional Press Awards champion exceptional journalism across the UK’s regional press. With level-playing-field judging split by publication size and dedicated awards for inclusive community reporting, this is your platform to showcase your team's impact to the wider industry.

Entering is your opportunity to shout to the industry just how great your work, organisation or team are. The awards provide a platform to network and celebrate with your peers, while offering powerful recognition and a way to attract top talent to your brand.

BUILT FOR REGIONAL IMPACT

Unlike broad industry awards where local titles get buried, these awards focus strictly on regional press across the UK. With split-judging categories for local and regional outlets, smaller newsrooms compete on a level playing field with larger publications.

PROOF OF REAL-WORLD CHANGE

Judges look past vanity metrics to focus on tangible impact. Winning proves your reporting connected with readers, deepened understanding, or forced real-world policy and community change.

DIRECT INVESTMENT IN YOUNG TALENT

We actively fund the next generation of journalists. Categories like the Cathryn Nicholl Award and Young Journalist of the Year offer free entries, cash prizes, and travel/research bursaries up to £2,500 to supercharge early-career reporters.

DATES

First entry deadline: Thursday 3 September

Second entry deadline: Thursday 1 October

Final entry deadline: Thursday 5 November

PRICES

First entry price: £59

Second entry price: £99

Final entry price: £119

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

Daily Reporter of the Year

Weekly Reporter of the Year

Specialist Journalist of the Year

Sports Journalist of the Year

Young Journalist of the Year

Team Awards

Best Live Coverage

NEW: Best Use of Social Media

Campaign of the Year

Digital Initiative of the Year

Front Page of the Year

NEW: News Podcast of the Year

News Website of the Year

Reporting Communities Award

Scoop of the Year

Supplement of the Year

Organisations Award

Small News Brand of the Year

Large News Brand of the Year

A NOTE FROM OUR CHIEF EXECUTIVE

"Across the country, news publishers and professional journalists are the eyes and ears of the communities they work in. The skill, determination and courage that goes into holding power to account and telling the most difficult stories must never be underestimated, and I’m delighted that the Regional Press Awards celebrates the breadth of talent working in the commercial news industry today."

Theo Bamber, Chief Executive, News Media Association.

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.

THE PRESS AWARDS

PRESS 30 UNDER 30

Rosie Henshall

Commercial Enquiries

E: [email protected]

Holly Kennealy

Events Executive