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Journalism awards in the UK: the main prizes and how to enter

The best-known UK journalism awards include the British Journalism Awards run by Press Gazette, the National Press Awards of the Society of Editors, the Royal Television Society Television Journalism Awards and the Orwell Prizes, which include a Journalism Prize. Most are open to staff and freelance journalists, with entry deadlines months before the ceremony.

Awards raise your profile, open doors with editors and reward public-interest work. This guide lists the main UK prizes and gives practical tips for a strong entry.

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At a glance

British Journalism Awards: Press Gazette – ceremony 10 December 2026
National Press Awards: Society of Editors
RTS Television Journalism Awards: Royal Television Society
Orwell Prizes: Orwell Foundation – Journalism Prize and more

The main UK journalism awards

British Journalism Awards

Organised by Press Gazette, the awards recognise the best journalism produced for a UK audience that displays journalistic skill and rigour and serves the public interest. They are open to publishers and journalists across print, broadcast and online. The 2026 ceremony takes place on 10 December 2026 in London; the entry deadline was 29 September 2026.

National Press Awards

Run by the Society of Editors, the National Press Awards honour newspaper and digital journalism across many categories, from news and investigations to sport and photography. Check the Society of Editors’ website for current categories and deadlines.

RTS Television Journalism Awards

The Royal Television Society’s awards recognise television news and current affairs journalism, including categories for programmes, reporters and camera operators.

The Orwell Prizes

The Orwell Foundation awards five prizes each year, including the Journalism Prize, the Reporting Homelessness Prize and the Exposing Britain’s Social Evils Prize, alongside book prizes for political writing and political fiction.

Specialist, regional and student awards

Beyond the national awards there are many specialist prizes – for science, business, sport, health, travel, data and photography – as well as regional press awards and awards for student journalism. Trade bodies and charities often run awards in their own fields. Look for prizes that match your beat: a specialist award can matter more to your career than a shortlisting in a crowded national category.

How to write a strong awards entry

Choose the right category and read the criteria carefully.

Tell the story behind the story: what you found, how, and what changed as a result.

Show impact – responses, policy changes, reach – with evidence.

Submit early and include all required links and permissions.

Awards for freelancers

Many awards accept entries from freelancers, sometimes with lower fees or dedicated freelance categories. Ask your commissioning editor to support the entry, keep copies of your published work and confirm you have permission to submit material owned by the publisher. An award shortlisting is a strong addition to your portfolio and to accreditation requests – see freelance journalist in the UK and press accreditation.

Planning your awards year

Strong entries are prepared throughout the year, not in the week before the deadline.

Keep a running file

Every time a story has impact – a policy change, a correction by an authority, an official response, strong reader reaction – note it with the date and evidence. Judges look for impact, and it is hard to reconstruct months later.

Map the deadlines

Note the entry windows of the awards that fit your work. Many open months before the ceremony and close early; some have reduced fees for early entries or for freelancers.

Choose the right category

Read category descriptions carefully. A strong entry in the right category beats an excellent entry in the wrong one.

What judges look for

Criteria differ between awards, but the same qualities come up again and again.

Original journalism

Stories that would not exist without you: your own sources, documents, data or access. Rewritten press releases rarely impress.

Public interest and impact

What changed because of your work? Evidence of consequences – an inquiry, a policy response, a public debate – makes an entry stand out.

Craft

Clear writing, strong structure, good pictures or sound, and careful use of data. Judges notice when a piece is well made.

Ethics and accuracy

Fair treatment of people in the story, transparent sourcing and no unresolved complaints. An entry with accuracy problems will struggle.

Entry checklist

Before you press “submit”.

Read the rules: eligibility period, word limits, number of pieces allowed and file formats.
Write the supporting statement last, focusing on what you found and what changed.
Check links work without a paywall or provide PDFs as allowed.
Ask your editor for a supporting comment if the rules allow it.
Confirm entry fees and whether reduced fees apply to freelancers or students.
Keep a copy of everything you submitted.

Making the most of a shortlisting or win

Recognition only helps your career if people hear about it.

Update your profiles

Add the shortlisting or award to your website, portfolio, LinkedIn and pitch emails, with the year and category. Keep it short and factual.

Tell your editors

Let commissioning editors and outlets you work for know. Many share award news, which raises your profile with their readers and colleagues.

Network at the ceremony

Ceremonies bring together editors, judges and peers. Prepare a one-sentence summary of your work and follow up afterwards with people you met.

Even if you do not make the shortlist, ask whether the organisers share judges’ feedback. Some do, and it is a valuable – and free – review of your work.

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest journalism award in the UK?

There is no single official ranking. The British Journalism Awards, the National Press Awards, the RTS Television Journalism Awards and the Orwell Prizes are among the best known.

Can freelancers enter journalism awards?

Most major awards accept freelance entries. Check each award’s rules, fees and permissions.

When is the British Journalism Awards ceremony in 2026?

According to Press Gazette, on 10 December 2026 in London.

Do I need a press card to enter awards?

No. Awards judge published work, not cards or memberships.

Are there awards for student journalists?

Yes, several organisations run student journalism awards. Check current details with the organisers.

How much does it cost to enter?

Fees vary by award and category; some are free. Check the organiser’s website.

Can freelancers enter awards without the support of an outlet?

Many awards accept entries directly from freelancers, and some have freelance-specific categories or reduced fees. Check the rules for each award; where permission from the publisher is needed, ask early.

Is it worth entering if I am just starting out?

Yes, especially for student and young journalist categories. Shortlistings alone can help your CV, and writing an entry teaches you to explain the value of your work.

Should I mention awards in a press card application?

You can, but it is not necessary. We look for regular journalistic work; awards are a welcome extra, not a requirement.

Do I have to pay to enter journalism awards?

Some awards are free to enter, others charge entry fees, which can differ for staff, freelancers and students. Check the rules before you prepare your entry, and be wary of awards that seem to exist mainly to collect fees.

Can I enter the same story for several awards?

Usually yes, as long as it meets each award’s eligibility rules and period. Tailor the supporting statement to each award’s criteria rather than copying it.

Sources and last review

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.