New 'Editor of the Year Category for Regional Press Awards

A new category ‘Editor of the Year’ has been added to the Society of Editors Regional Press Awards for which entries opened this week.

The new award will recognise the editor of a daily or weekly regional newspaper who can demonstrate either personal journalistic achievement in the public interest, leadership, a personally fronted campaign, an individual battle with authority or simply a great idea. Editors can nominate themselves or can be nominated by senior editorial colleagues.

UK Power Networks is the main sponsor of the Regional Press Awards which are also supported by Asda, Foot Anstey, HoldtheFrontPage and the Press Association.

The Sof E, which has been supported by Camelot since 2001, organises the awards in conjunction with the NS on behalf of the industry. NS members have undertaken to participate in and support the awards

Entries for the awards which celebrate the best of British regional newspaper journalism in 2011 can now be made on the awards website. Full details of categories and guidance on how to register and enter the awards are available.

Entries will close on 7 March and shortlists will be published on 17 April.

The awards are judged by panels of independent experts and the winners will be announced at a lunchtime awards ceremony to be held at the Savoy Place, London, on 25 May.

Former SoE president Paul Horrocks will replace Peter Sands as chairman of the judges for the awards. 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 or reduced. The awards also help to support the Journalists’ Charity.

SoE executive director Bob Satchwell said: “We are again pleased to help celebrate the brilliant journalism in local and regional newspaper which provides a terrific service to communities across the UK against a difficult economic background and continued pressure of dramatic change in the wider media industry.”

Geraldine Allinson, NS president and chairman of the KM Group, said: “No other media can replicate the regional and local press. Our newspapers scrutinise those in authority, support local businesses and campaign on behalf of our readers.

“I am delighted we will have the opportunity through these awards to recognise and applaud the editorial excellence which is at the heart of our industry.”

For further information or comment please contact Bob Satchwell on 01223 304080 or 07860 562815 or bob@societyofeditors.org.