The Press Awards gala dinner for 2019, due to take place in early April, has been postponed because of the on-going crisis caused by the Covid-19 virus.
The awards, staged by the Society of Editors (SoE) and which attracts around 500 attendees, were due to have been held on April 2 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. They will now take place at a date to be confirmed in the autumn of this year.
Judging for the awards has been completed and shortlists already announced. Executive Director of the SoE Ian Murray said it was sensible to postpone the awards dinner itself at this stage rather than be overtaken by events as the date approaches.
“I feel certain the industry will understand in what are extremely unusual circumstances why we have taken this step and will also bear with us as we push back the big reveal as to who has succeeded in the awards for journalistic excellence in 2019.
“The information of who has triumphed will be kept under lock and key until later in the year.”
All sponsors and guests who have already booked places at the April 2 dinner are being contacted about the decision to postpone.
Details of the new date for the event will be given in the coming weeks.