Best of local journalism to be showcased
Telling stories that matter to people
The search is on for the best local journalism in Ireland with the launch of the 11th Local Ireland Media Awards.
Entries are being invited for 19 competitive categories, which also include awards for photography, design, digital innovation and sales. The awards will be the ninth to be sponsored by the National Lottery, which has its own award for Community Journalist of the Year.
Assistant Professor at DCU School of Communications Dawn Wheatley will take over the chair of the judging panel this year, which will include two new members, journal.ie Managing Editor Susan Daly and RTÉ presenter and journalist Sarah McInerney.
President of Local Ireland and Managing Director of the Southern Star Seán Mahon said: “The Local Ireland Media Awards recognise the very best examples of local journalism, digital publishing, and advertising across Ireland. It’s important to celebrate what our industry is all about, namely telling the stories that matter to local people.
“These awards are a great showcase for local journalism, and I hope they encourage new people to enter our profession as well as reinforce for our people that what they do is so important to society.
Serving local communities
“On behalf of Local Ireland's members, I'd like to thank the National Lottery for their ongoing sponsorship of the awards. There's a good synergy between the support the National Lottery gives to local communities across Ireland who are often the same communities that our newspapers report on.
“I'd also like to thank Coimisiún Na Meán for their sponsorship of the awards and their ongoing support for the local newspaper industry overall.”
Head of Corporate Affairs at the National Lottery Jennifer Crowe said: “We are immensely proud to continue our long-standing partnership with Local Ireland in celebrating the outstanding journalism that keeps our communities informed, connected and heard.
“Local journalism plays a central role in communities, capturing the stories, challenges and triumphs that might otherwise go untold. We are particularly honoured to support and announce the National Lottery Community Journalist of the Year award, recognising those who go above and beyond to tell the stories that matter most.”
This year’s awards will be held at the Mullingar Park Hotel on September 17 with Lyric FM presenter Marty Whelan as host.
Media Development Commissioner at Coimisiún na Meán Rónán O’Domhnaill said: “We are committed to supporting access to high quality journalism and recognise the value of trustworthy local news for communities across the country.
“Our Journalism Schemes continue to provide funding support to Local Ireland members, with the second round of our News Reporting Scheme due to close on the June 5. We are proud to sponsor this year's awards and wish all participants the best of luck.”
Chair of the Judging Panel Dawn Wheatley said: "The cities, towns and villages around Ireland need strong local journalism. These awards are our way of recognising the talented reporters, editors and production staff who work hard to deliver that each week.
“We've had such high-quality submissions and winners in the past and we're hoping for another year of outstanding entries that continue to reflect the very best of local storytelling."