The Society of Editors Regional Press Awards are made possible by the lead sponsorship of UK Power Networks. They are supported by Asda and Foot Anstey solicitors and are held in association with HoldTheFrontPage and the Press Association.
The Society of Editors, which has been supported by Camelot since 2001, organises the awards in conjunction with the Newspaper Society on behalf of the industry.
The awards will spotlight journalism that appeared in any format or delivery platform related to a UK local or regional paper during 2012 and there are changes to the awards recognising on-line and other digital journalism.
Newspaper Society members have undertaken to participate in and support the awards and to avoid taking part in any competing UK-wide events.
Registration for the awards is now open and entries will open on Monday February 4 and close on March 4. Early registration and entries are encouraged.
Shortlists will be published in mid April. The awards ceremony followed by a celebratory lunch will take place at Savoy Place, London on Friday 17 May. The Newspaper Society’s AGM will take place at the same venue on the same date.
Full details of the awards are available at www.theregionalpressawards.org.uk which will carry details of categories and offer guidance on how to register and enter the awards.
Paul Horrocks, SoE president in 2007, will again chair the judges. Paul was editor of the Manchester Evening News for 12 years and is now director of independent media and communications consultancy, Essential Communications and Media.
Revenue generated by entry fees, table sales and sponsorship will pay for the not-for-profit awards programme. Costs to entrants have been frozen at last year’s level. The awards also help to support the Journalists’ Charity.
Society of Editors executive director Bob Satchwell (pictured) said: “We are glad to help celebrate the quality of the journalism that serves local and regional communities across the UK so well. The British local and regional press is adapting to new opportunities and challenges and remains the best in the world.”
Lynne Anderson, communications and marketing director of the Newspaper Society said: “The regional press is the most trusted of all media. In print and online, it is the second biggest investor, after the national press, on news in the UK. These awards give us an opportunity to pay tribute to the industry’s unique editorial content and journalistic excellence.”
HoldTheFrontPage publisher Paul Linford said: “These awards recognise the very best in regional journalism and HoldtheFrontPage is delighted to be able to continue its association with them.”
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.
