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Launched in 2012, the British Journalism Awards has always been innovative. It was the first major UK journalism awards to make serving the public interest its main criteria. And it was the first such event to be open to all journalists wherever they work.
Now the 2020 British Journalism Awards will, for the first time, be entirely virtual. The uncertainty around whether coronavirus restrictions will be lifted in time has forced our hand and ruled out the planned celebration dinner in London on 9 December. Instead, the event will go ahead as planned but via a virtual event platform which provide ample opportunity for networking on the night and host a video of the awards presentation. Holding a virtual event means the British Journalism Awards will be more inclusive than ever this year, with any journalist able to attend by pre-registering.
In other changes for 2020, Press Gazette has recruited new judges to ensure that the panel more fairly and accurately reflects the make-up of the UK as a whole in terms of diversity.
Moreover, the British Journalism Awards is waiving the entry fee under certain circumstances this year in order to encourage greater diversity amongst our finalists.
The fees will be waived if one of the below cases applies:
*Minority ethnic: We adopt the ONS definition of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic as applying to all those who are mixed race, Asian, black or other non-white ethnicities.
All of our BAME applicants will be entered into the Barbara Blake Hannah Award – this award is for a journalist who like her has broken through barriers with their journalism. Barbara was the UK’s first black female newsreader.
Last year the British Journalism Awards attracted more than 500 entries from every major UK news provider.
Chairman of judges and Press Gazette editor in chief Dominic Ponsford said: "The pandemic has been one of the greatest challenges ever thrown at the British journalism industry. News outlets have scrambled to cover the biggest story of our lives whilst also addressing the harsh economic challenges posed by coronavirus. The 2020 British Journalism Awards will be a special event, hopefully closing the chapter on a tough period - but also celebrating the best of the amazing journalism which has come out of it. As ever, the judging process will be utterly impartial and independent and will look for journalism which shows skill and rigour, is revelatory and which makes a difference for the better in society."
The British Journalism Awards recognise work published to a UK audience. Journalists working in any medium can enter. Work must have been published or broadcast between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020.
Click here to view the 2020 British Journalism Awards shortlist.
Click here to view the 2020 British Journalism Awards winners.
For information about sponsorship, please contact commercial manager Kalpesh Vadher at kalpesh.vadher@pressgazette.co.uk or +44 207 406 6738.
Open to Entries
Entries close for judging
7pm Drinks Reception 8pm Dinner Served 9:15pm Awards Ceremony to commence 10:30pm Post Awards Drinks
Open to Entries
Entries close for judging
7pm Drinks Reception 8pm Dinner Served 9:15pm Awards Ceremony to commence 10:30pm Post Awards Drinks
Arguably journalism's greatest role in society is helping to keep our institutions honest by highlighting corruption in local and national government, public authorities and business. This new category is aimed at any journalism which fulfills this purpose. The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest. For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included. Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Juliette Garside, David Pegg, Hilary Osborne, Jason Burke, Caelainn Barr and Paul Lewis – The Guardian
For the journalist who has done the most to probe and investigate the worlds of showbiz, the arts and entertainment.
The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Killian Fox – 1843 magazine, The Economist
2020 Highly commended: Zing Tsjeng – Vice UK
This award is for the journalist from a BAME background who has most impressed the judges this year. It is only for journalists who do not have a news organisation able to pay their entry fee who have entered under this year's free entry scheme.
2020 Winner:
Kuba Shand-Baptiste – The Independent
For the journalist who has done the most to probe and investigate the world of business.
The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Dan McCrum, Olaf Storbeck and Stefania Palma – Financial Times
For the series of articles, broadcasts or digital project which has done the most to make a difference in society and serve the public interest. You cannot enter the same work in the Campaign and Investigation categories.
Judges will be looking for evidence of a campaign’s impact, originality, bravery, skill of execution and at how journalism has been used to further the campaign’s objectives.
For print/online entries, please provide up to five examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to five clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Time To End Cystic Fibrosis Drug Scandal, Daily Express (Chris Riches)
2020 Highly commended: Mail Force, Daily Mail (Robert Hardman)
This category recognises the best comment journalist of the year.
The judges are looking for the most incisive comment which has brought new ideas and thinking to bear when discussing a matter of public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Marina Hyde – The Guardian
This category is for the best journalism covering crime, courts and the law.
The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Samantha Poling, Eamon T. O Connor, Shelley Jofre and Mona McAlinden – BBC Scotland
2020 Highly commended:Lizzie Dearden – The Independent
This award is for the best features journalist of the year.
It rewards excellent journalism on a matter of public interest which could be descriptive or of a human interest nature and shows evidence of fine writing.
This category is not intended for investigations or comment.
The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Sophie Elmhirst – The Guardian
2020 Highly commended: Ashitha Nagesh – BBC News
For the journalist working for a UK audience, whose reports from overseas have done the most to serve the public interest.
The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Stuart Ramsay – Sky News
This category is for journalists who cover health and life sciences industries.
The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Jack Foster, Fraser Knight – Global’s Newsroom Scotland
This category is for the best journalism innovation of the year.
The judges are looking for a project which brings new information to light on a matter of public interest either directly or indirectly by creating a new stream of revenue.
Innovative digital storytelling can be submitted in this category but it is also open to print and broadcast work.
Suitable entries could include:
• A new editorial product or method of storytelling which has found a new audience
• An innovative way of investigating a story
• A paywall or other commercial strategy which helps to pay for journalism.
Please provide supporting statement of up to 500 words. For print/online entries please submit up to five supporting articles. Broadcasters should submit up to five clips or one entire programme to support their entry.
This innovation should either have been launched between September 1 2019 and August 31 2020 or have borne fruit in that time period.
2020 Winner:
Roger Cox – The Scotsman Sessions, The Scotsman
For the journalist who has done the most to bring new information to light through interviews.
The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Emily Maitlis – BBC
2020 Highly commended: Jan Moir – Daily Maill
2020 Highly commended:Emma Barnett – BBC 5 Live
This award is for the most incisive and revelatory public interest investigation of the year.
The judges will be looking for work which is compelling and which brings significant new information to light on a matter of public interest. You cannot enter the same work in the Campaign and Investigation categories.
The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to five examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to five clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Richard Bilton, Andrew Head, David Gray, David Howell, Seamas McCracken, Farhad Mohammadi, Matt Bardo, Hannah O’Grady and Rachel Jupp – BBC Panorama (in collaboration with Jonathan Calvert, George Arbuthnott and David Collins of the Sunday Times Insight team)
2020 Highly commended: Dan McCrum, Olaf Storbeck, Sam Jones, Paul Murphy and Helen Warrell – Financial Times
2020 Highly commended: Mobeen Azhar, Jeremy Lee, Wes Thomas and Catey Sexton – BBC Three
This award is for the journalist who, more than any other, deserves recognition for their outstanding individual performance over the year.
The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to five examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to five clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Dan McCrum – Financial Times
This category is for the best journalism at a local and regional level.
It is open to local newspapers, websites and broadcast outlets. Those working for news outlets aimed at a national audience cannot enter this category.
Journalists can enter this category as individuals or teams. They may want to highlight one particular project, investigation, campaign or a linked series of news stories.
The judges are looking for work which has done the most to bring new information to light on a matter of public interest and for journalism which has made a difference for the better at a local level.
For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Jonathan Gibson – Inside Out West Midlands, BBC Birmingham
This category was launched in memory of the late Sunday Times foreign correspondent Marie Colvin who was killed reporting on the plight of people in the besieged Syrian city of Homs in 2012. It is free to enter and anyone can make a nomination. The judges are looking for an outstanding, up and coming journalist of Marie’s calibre. Please submit a supporting statement and up to five examples of work which can be either from the last year or over a longer time period.
2020 Winner:
Sophia Yan – The Telegraph
This award is for a relative newcomer to the industry (who may have worked in other jobs before) and has been a journalist for fewer than 36 months.
The judges will be looking for work which is compelling and which brings significant new information to light on a matter of public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Rianna Croxford – BBC News
For the news organisation which has done the most to provide journalism that is both interesting to the public and in the public interest. This category is open to newspapers, magazines, websites and broadcast outlets. News channels, news agencies and particular broadcast journalism strands are all eligible.
The award will recognise a news provider that has excelled in terms of serving the public interest and bringing new information to light.
The judges are looking for a news provider which stands out because of the quality of its investigative journalism and ability to break news on matters of public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to ten examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to ten clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Financial Times
For the photographer whose work has done the most to serve the public interest.
Please submit up to three photos (as jpeg files). Entrants can also provide PDFs of the images as they appeared in print or online. There is a six-file limit per entry. Please also include a supporting statement of up to 500 words.
2020 Winner:
Anthony Devlin – Getty Images
This category is for the best politics journalism published in any format aimed at a mainly UK audience.
The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Paul Brand and Dominique Heckels – ITV News
2020 Highly commended: Anna Mikhailova – Daily Telegraph
This special award takes its lead from the Pulitzer Prize and aims to recognise the outstanding act of public service journalism of the last year.
2020 Winner:
Mail Force, Daily Mail (Robert Hardman)
This award is for journalists who cover science and the environment.
The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Stephen Grey, Andrew MacAskill, Ryan McNeill, Steve Stecklow, Tommy Wilkes – Reuters
This is the prize for the best story of the year (news providers can enter only one story for this award).
The judges are looking for work which had an impact, brought new information to light and served the public interest.
Please include a supporting statement of up 500 words. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Matthew Weaver – The Guardian | Pippa Crerar and Jeremy Armstrong – Daily Mirror
This category is aimed at specialist and trade publications. Specialist journalists working in other media can enter if they are not covered by one of the other categories.
The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Lawrence Dunhill – Health Service Journal
2020 Highly commended: Zak Garner-Purkis – Construction News
This is for the sports journalist who has done the most to investigate the world of sport and serve the public interest.
The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Matt Lawton – The Times
2020 Highly commended: Jeff Powell – Daily Mail
2020 Highly commended: Mark Daly, Calum McKay, Kate McDonald, Shelley Jofre, Karen Wightman – BBC Scotland/Panorama
For the journalist who has done the most over the course of the year to investigate the world of technology.
The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest.
For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up 500 words must also be included.
Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2020 and aimed at a UK audience.
2020 Winner:
Stephanie Kirchgaessner – The Guardian
2020 Highly commended: Karl Flinders and editorial team – Computer Weekly
Meet the judges
Managing Director of Photojournalism Times
Former editor of the Daily Mirror
Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting
Is a columnist and former deputy editor of the Sunday Times
Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs
Co-founder of Spare rib and Virago press
Journalist
Head of Journalism department at Kingston University
Editor-in-chief at gal-dem
Journalism professor and Freedom of Information campaigner
Teaching journalism at Sheffield University
Freelance journalist and podcaster
Freelance journalist and media consultant
Emeritus professor of journalism at Sheffield University
Michael Crozier is Editorial Director of Crozier Associates
Editor/Partner at Tortoise Media, former editor-in-chief of Huffpost UK
Burnt Roti magazine founder
Brian Flynn is a former investigations editor of The Sun.
Former editor of Which?, the Toronto Sun and four UK regional daily newspapers
Senior academic at Bournemouth University
Lecturer at First Draft, co-founder of PressPad
Alan Geere’s 40-year career in newspaper management
Author of the SubScribe blog
Communications Director working for Greater Brighton, Adur and Worthing Councils
Political Editor at Channel 4 News
Group Editorial Director at GlobalData
Author and film-maker
Director of MA International Journalism Program at City, University of London
TV Journalist and Executive
International Editor and Author
Former editor of The Sunday Times Insight Team and of the Bureau of Investigative Journalism
Chair of the Disasters Emergency Committee
Stephen Jukes is Professor of Journalism at Bournemouth University's School of Journalism, English & Communication.
Deputy Executive Editor, S&P Global Market Intelligence
Journalist and Broadcaster
Dr Paul Lashmar is Deputy Head of Journalism at City, University of London
Journalist
Is a journalist and author and runs the MA Magazine Journalism course at City, University of London
Former BBC producer and editor of 10 books on journalism
Gren Manuel is formerly executive editor for Europe for the Wall Street Journal and editor of Financial News.
Journalist and Broadcaster
Editor of Press Gazette
Writer
Is a journalist and a trainer of new reporters entering the industry
Patricia PhD is a freelance documentary filmmaker
Is Chair of Women in Journalism
CEO and founder of Iconic Images
Author and life coach
Communications and Media Strategist
Ian Murray is an award-winning journalist with almost 40-years’ experience in newsrooms and working with the British media.
Columnist and broadcaster
Head of Family Policy Unit, Centre for Social Justice
Is a journalist and the founder of Black Ballad magazine
Author and Campaigner
Editor-in-chief of Press Gazette and chairman of the judges
Sean Ryan is the media director of Save the Children
Fergus Shanahan is a former deputy editor and executive editor of The Sun.
Vice President of The London Library and Strategic Advisor to the online fashion retailer Atterley.com
Award-winning business Editor
Co-founder of LEAD
Independent Media blogger/freelance Journalist
Editor and Publisher of the Methodist Recorder
Content Marketing Manager at UK Linkology
UK’s most experienced and acclaimed TV newsmen
Chief reporter at Press Gazette
Executive Editor at The Sunday Times
Director of International Campaigns for Reporters Without Borders
Richard Vize (@RichardVize) has been a commentator on public policy and public services reform for more than 25 years
Writer, Author and Broadcaster
Managing Editor for BBC News and Current Affairs
Investigative Journalist
Director at Lloyd Watson Consulting Ltd
Award-winning Financial Journalist
CEO of Axate
The Google News Initiative is Google’s effort to work with the news industry to help journalism thrive in the digital age. Our efforts focus on three pillars: working with the news industry to evolve their business models and drive sustainable growth, elevating quality journalism and empowering news organizations with new technology.
Global Witness is an anti-corruption NGO that protects human rights and the environment by fearlessly confronting corruption and challenging the systems that enable it.
When founded in 1993, we were pioneers in seeing the link between natural resources, conflict and corruption. Since our very first campaign to shut down the Khmer Rouge’s illegal logging industry we’ve uncovered the truth about blood diamonds and helped bring trillions of oil, gas and mining revenues into the open.
We’ve shone a spotlight on the brutal killings of those defending their land from forced seizure by corporations and governments alike, campaigned for an end to the use of anonymous companies, and much more.
Today, our hard-hitting investigations reveal who is stealing the money, where they are hiding it, and how they are spending it. We track and expose the path of corruption, pushing for global change to end it. We are independent, not-for-profit, and work with partners around the world in our fight for justice.
Camelot wishes the Press Gazette a hugely successful awards evening.
Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. With its headquarters in Shenzhen, China we operate in 170 countries across the world. Founded in 1987, Huawei is a private company fully owned by its employees. Our aim is to build a better connected world, acting as a responsible corporate citizen, innovative enabler for the information society, and collaborative contributor to the industry. Every day one third of the world’s population uses our technology to help to connect with others. Driven by customer-focused innovation and open partnerships, Huawei has established an end-to-end ICT solutions portfolio that gives customers competitive advantages in telecom and enterprise networks, devices and cloud computing, and provides them with world class smartphones and other consumer devices. Huawei’s 170,000 employees worldwide are committed to creating the best possible value and experience for telecom operators, businesses and consumers.
It was a very inspiring night.
Congratulations to Press Gazette on a timely, welcome initiative. Press Gazette is one of the institutions that underpins our industry - much in vogue these days - and what you have done is very important for us all.
It was a huge honour to be nominated alongside so many great names from the industry.
It was much more fun than rival awards ceremonies and much better to meet fellow journalists and award winners.
A reminder of all that is best about British journalism in a very good venue with a very good audience. Congratulations on a great awards ceremony. I thought it was a really good atmosphere – and helped remind us of the importance of the brilliant journalism that we can all be proud of. We were pleased to be part of the evening.
I’ve won one or two broadcasting awards before but this is a wider award covering the whole of the British media and that’s what makes it extra special.
It gets bigger and better every year and celebrating journalism still somehow feels like an act of defiance... I remain delighted that science reporting takes it’s place alongside politics and business and this year... lots of awards I attend feel indulgent and irrelevant. This one feels important.
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