As Regional Press Award trophies continue to make their way around the country, we catch up with some of the winners who are celebrating this summer.
Although the coronavirus lockdown meant the awards were unable to be held in person this year, it is more vital than ever to celebrate the role of journalism. Therefore, the Society is determined to ensure that those with commendations are given their chance in the spotlight.
Receiving a trophy on behalf of the Liverpool Echo is editor Alastair Machray.
The paper received the Overall Digital Award, sponsored by Facebook Journalism Project for its accessible and engaging content.
The Echo’s brand connected with its loyal audience, offering podcasts to live-blogs as well as strengthening its name for court reporting via social media platforms.
The judges said, “A great all-round offer with great content and engagement on multiple platforms and a brilliant reach.”
The award for the mantelpiece comes as Machray (pictured above) steps down from his role as longest-serving daily editor. He will be replaced in the autumn by Maria Breslin, the paper’s digital editor, who will become the Echo’s first woman editor.
We also meet Kelly Williams, who won Scoop of the Year, sponsored by Cision.
Her exposé for the Daily Post “Senior teacher bombarded pupil, 15 with flirty messages” was praised by the judges as “a brilliant investigation entirely in the public interest and in the face of legal and ethical issues that were considered along the way…”
Judges added that excellent journalism brought down a powerful man taking advantage of a child in his care.
Williams, pictured above with her trophy and commendation certificate, was also highly commended in the Daily Reporter of the Year category.
Keep an eye out for more award winners in the coming weeks.