MFA Categories 2026

The Media Freedom Awards celebrate journalism that serves the public interest. While many winning entries may expose wrongdoing or hold power to account, judges will also recognise work that informs the public, champions media freedom, drives meaningful change, gives voice to under-represented communities or demonstrates outstanding journalistic enterprise and public service.

The Media Freedom Awards are open to journalists, teams, producers and news organisations whose work is produced principally for UK audiences or by organisations with a significant editorial presence in the UK. Entries may be submitted for work published in print, digital, broadcast, audio, video or any other news delivery platform.

Entries are now open (from Monday 6 July 2026) until 16 August 2026. Entries must have been first published or broadcast between 11 August 2025 and 16 August 2026 to be eligible.

Media Freedom Awards 2026 categories

Investigation of the Year – National

An investigation by a national journalist or team that uncovered an original story of significant public interest through rigorous reporting. Entries may expose wrongdoing, reveal previously unknown information, challenge accepted narratives or lead to meaningful public debate or change.

Judges will be looking for:

Originality and exclusivity of the story.
Strength, depth and persistence of the reporting.
Effective use of evidence, sources and investigative techniques.
Public interest and impact, including any tangible outcomes where applicable.
Clear, engaging and authoritative presentation of often complex issues.

Investigation of the Year – Regional

An investigation by a regional journalist or team that uncovered an original story of significant importance to the communities they serve through determined and high-quality reporting.

Judges will be looking for:

Originality and exclusivity.
Quality and persistence of the investigation.
Relevance and importance to the local community.
Evidence of impact, accountability or meaningful change where appropriate.
Effective storytelling and clear presentation.

Investigation of the Year – Broadcast – National

A broadcast investigation by a national broadcaster or independent production company that uncovered an original story of significant public interest through outstanding journalism.

Judges will be looking for:

Originality and exclusivity.
Depth and quality of the investigation.
Creative and effective use of broadcast storytelling.
Public interest and impact.
Clear evidence of strong editorial judgement and journalistic rigour.

Investigation of the Year – Broadcast – Regional

A broadcast investigation by a regional broadcaster or independent production company that uncovered an original story of significant importance to the communities it serves, or more widely.

Judges will be looking for:

Originality and quality of the journalism.
Importance and relevance of the story to local audiences.
Effective use of the broadcast medium to tell the story.
Evidence of impact or positive change where appropriate.
Journalistic ambition, creativity and editorial excellence.

Judges will also recognise that regional broadcasters and independent production companies operate with differing resources and team sizes, and will assess entries on the quality, ambition and impact of the journalism rather than the scale of the organisation.

Campaign of the Year – National

An outstanding national editorial campaign that informed, engaged and inspired audiences, helping to drive awareness, public debate or meaningful change on an issue of public importance.

Judges will be looking for:

A clearly defined objective and sustained editorial approach.
Strong journalism supported by accurate, compelling reporting.
Creativity in engaging audiences across one or more platforms.
Evidence of influence, impact or measurable outcomes where applicable.
Overall quality, consistency and effectiveness of the campaign.

Campaign of the Year – Regional

An outstanding regional editorial campaign that championed an issue affecting its local community and demonstrated the power of local journalism to make a difference.

Judges will be looking for:

A clearly defined campaign with a strong community focus.
High-quality journalism and audience engagement.
Evidence of positive local impact or meaningful change where applicable.
Creativity, persistence and editorial leadership.
Demonstrable benefit to the communities served.

Commentator of the Year – Broadsheet

For a columnist, commentator or opinion writer whose work consistently demonstrates insight, originality and influence. Entries are open to commentators across print, digital, broadcast and audio platforms.

Judges will be looking for:

Originality of thought and strength of argument.
Consistently high-quality writing or broadcasting.
Ability to inform, challenge or stimulate public debate.
A distinctive voice and authoritative analysis.
Evidence of influence, impact or agenda-setting commentary.

Commentator of the Year – Popular

For a columnist, commentator or opinion writer whose work consistently engages audiences through compelling, accessible and thought-provoking journalism. Entries are open across print, digital, broadcast and audio platforms.

Judges will be looking for:

A distinctive and engaging voice.
Strong storytelling and communication.
Originality and quality of opinion.
Ability to connect with and influence audiences.
Consistency of excellence across the body of work.

Journalist of the Year – National

Awarded to the national journalist whose work has demonstrated exceptional journalism over the past year. Entries should showcase a body of work rather than a single story.

Judges will be looking for:

Consistently outstanding journalism across a range of stories.
Original reporting and journalistic enterprise.
Accuracy, fairness and editorial judgement.
Evidence of impact, influence or public value.
Overall excellence in reporting, writing or storytelling.

Journalist of the Year – Regional

Awarded to the regional journalist whose work has demonstrated exceptional journalism in serving the communities they cover.

Judges will be looking for:

Consistently outstanding journalism.
Original reporting and strong community focus.
Editorial judgement and high professional standards.
Evidence of impact or benefit to the communities served.
Overall excellence across the body of work.

Journalist of the Year – Broadcast

Awarded to the broadcast journalist whose work has demonstrated exceptional journalism across television, radio or digital broadcast platforms.

Judges will be looking for:

Excellence in broadcast journalism and storytelling.
Original reporting and editorial judgement.
Clear, authoritative and engaging presentation.
Evidence of impact, influence or public value.
Consistently high-quality journalism across the body of work.

Young Journalist of the Year – National

Open to journalists or producers aged 30 or under on 31 August 2026. This award recognises outstanding emerging talent and celebrates those already making a significant contribution to journalism.

Judges will be looking for:

Exceptional journalism relative to career stage.
Original reporting and initiative.
Accuracy, professionalism and editorial judgement.
Evidence of potential for future leadership in journalism.
Quality and impact of the body of work submitted.

Young Journalist of the Year – Regional

Open to regional journalists or producers aged 30 or under on 31 August 2026 This award recognises outstanding emerging talent serving local and regional audiences.

Judges will be looking for:

Exceptional journalism relative to career stage.
Initiative, originality and ambition.
Strong connection with the communities served.
Accuracy, professionalism and editorial judgement.
Quality, impact and promise demonstrated across the body of work.

Political Journalist of the Year

Awarded to the political journalist who has consistently broken important stories, provided authoritative analysis or enhanced public understanding of politics and public policy.

Judges will be looking for:

Original political reporting and exclusives.
Insightful analysis and explanation of complex issues.
Accuracy, fairness and editorial authority.
Ability to set or shape the political agenda.
Overall excellence and impact of the body of work.

Foreign Correspondent of the Year

Awarded to the correspondent whose reporting has brought international events, conflicts or global issues to life for UK audiences through outstanding journalism.

Judges will be looking for:

Original and authoritative international reporting.
Courage, persistence and journalistic enterprise where appropriate.
Ability to explain complex global issues clearly.
Strong storytelling and compelling reporting.
Overall quality, impact and public value of the body of work.

Photojournalist of the Year

Awarded to the photojournalist whose images or video have captured events, or been of an investigative nature, with exceptional skill, originality and journalistic value.

Judges will be looking for:

Technical excellence and visual storytelling.
Originality, creativity and editorial judgement.
Images or video that enhance understanding of events or issues.
Evidence of impact, emotion or public interest.
Overall quality and consistency across the body of work.

Social Media Journalist of the Year

Judges will be looking for:

Original journalism that serves the public interest.
Innovative use of social media or emerging digital platforms to reach and engage audiences.
Evidence of investigative reporting, campaigning or explanatory journalism.
Creativity in storytelling and audience engagement.
Accuracy, editorial judgement and responsible use of social media.
Evidence of impact, influence or meaningful public engagement.

Scoop of the Year

Awarded for the exclusive story that set the news agenda through originality and journalistic enterprise.

Unlike the Investigation categories, this award recognises the strength of an exclusive news story rather than the investigative process behind it.

Judges will be looking for:

Exclusivity and originality.
News value and significance.
Speed and journalistic enterprise.
Accuracy and editorial rigour.
The impact the story had once published or broadcast.

National News Media Organisation of the Year

Awarded to the national news organisation that has demonstrated outstanding journalism, editorial leadership and a sustained commitment to serving the public through high-quality reporting. Judges may also consider innovation in storytelling, audience engagement or digital journalism,

Judges will be looking for:

Outstanding journalism across a range of subjects.
Consistent editorial excellence and innovation.
Significant investigations, campaigns or exclusive reporting.
Evidence of public impact or influence.
A clear commitment to serving audiences and the public interest.

Regional News Media Organisation of the Year

Awarded to the regional news organisation that has demonstrated excellence in serving its community through high-quality journalism. Judges may also consider innovation in storytelling, audience engagement or digital journalism

Judges will be looking for:

Consistent editorial excellence.
Outstanding service to local communities.
Strong campaigns, investigations or exclusive reporting.
Evidence of meaningful community impact.
Innovation and commitment to local journalism.

Broadcast News Media Organisation of the Year

Awarded to the broadcast news organisation that has demonstrated outstanding journalism across television, radio or digital broadcast platforms.

Judges will be looking for:

Excellence in broadcast journalism.
Original reporting and agenda-setting journalism.
Innovation in storytelling and audience engagement.
Public impact and editorial leadership.
Consistently high standards across the organisation.

The Bob Satchwell Award for Freedom of Speech

Awarded at the discretion of the judges to an individual or organisation that has made an exceptional contribution to defending or advancing freedom of expression, media freedom or the public’s right to know.

This award cannot be entered.