The shortlist has today been announced for the Society of Editors’ Media Freedom Awards 2025.

Setting the benchmark for a celebration of UK public interest and campaigning journalism, the awards recognise excellence across all sectors of the UK news industry and will culminate with a high-profile ceremony at the iconic Underglobe in London on the evening of Wednesday 12 November 2025.

Sponsored by Allwyn, Vodafone and Ecotricity, the awards will be presented by renowned ITV News Journalist and Presenter Lucrezia Millarini.

Announcing the shortlist, Dawn Alford, Chief Executive of the Society of Editors and co-chair of the judges said: “At a time when media freedom and journalists’ safety are under attack in many areas across the globe, the Media Freedom Awards provide an opportunity to stand up and celebrate the truly extraordinary journalism that comes out of newsrooms across the UK. Once again the standard of entries this year has been exceptional and our judges have worked diligently and given up their time to review hundreds of submissions.

“Well done to all those shortlisted and we look forward to welcoming you, alongside your colleagues, for an important celebration of journalistic excellence on 12 November.”

Other awards presented on the evening will include the Bob Satchwell Award, in memory of the Society’s founding director who was considered a great champion of press freedom before his death in 2021. The evening will also see the winner of the Georgina Henry Award, organised by Women in Journalism, announced on the night.  Applications for the 2025 prize are now open.

Booking for the Media Freedom Awards ceremony is now open with an early-bird rate available for tables booked before 12 October 2025. For full details or to enquire about sponsorship opportunities please email office@societyofeditors.org.

The shortlist can be found here.