Entries for the Media Freedom Awards for 2026 were open this year with a shortlist now published here. Recognising excellence in campaigning and investigative journalism, the awards set the benchmark for a celebration of public interest journalism and will culminate with a high-profile awards ceremony at the Globe Theatre on Wednesday 11 November 2026. 

With returning categories including Investigation of the Year, Political Journalist of the Year and Commentator of the Year, the awards were open to journalists and news organisations working across all platforms including national and regional print media, broadcast, digital and magazine journalism. New categories for 2026 included Scoop of the Year and Social Media Journalist of the Year.

Supported by VodafoneThree, Allwyn, Octopus Energy and Qwoted, the awards will be presented by ITV News Presenter Lucrezia Millarini. A list of categories can be found here. 

Photos and video from last year’s Media Freedom Awards can be found below. 

◄12345►