Local and regional press awards back in business

THE best of regional newspaper journalism is to be celebrated in a resurrected awards competition – with entries being invited for free.

The Regional Press Awards have been saved by the National Union of Journalists. But the deadline is very soon: Monday.

Says the union’s general-secretary, Jeremy Dear: “We believe at a time when the local and regional newspaper industry is going through such difficult times we should be celebrating the best in local and regional journalism – from photography to front page scoops, features to design.”

He added: “Media companies used to run the awards but just at the time the industry needs a boost they have cut their backing. Despite that, they are upset the NUJ has stepped in to save the awards. To validate our stance we need to encourage lots of entries for all the categories.

“If we don’t stand up for journalism and celebrate the best in local and regional newspapers, who will?”