Awards for Excellence 2020 shortlist announced after another record-breaking number of entries

Some 54 students, trainees, apprentices, journalists and training providers have been shortlisted in the NCTJ Awards for Excellence 2020.

A record-breaking 417 entries were received across 15 categories, in addition to the students and trainees eligible for the student and trainee of the year awards.

Free to enter, the Awards for Excellence highlight the achievements of individuals with promising journalism careers ahead of them, and those doing outstanding work in the media and training sector.

There are five main categories for students, trainees and apprentices: news, sports, top scoop, features, and podcast journalism. Nominations are also taken for the best student projects.

Performance awards are also available for those who have achieved outstanding results in the Diploma in Journalism, National Qualification in Journalism and the Junior Journalist Apprenticeship.

As a number of accredited courses have extended their course end dates this year due to the pandemic, the Student of the Year shortlist will be announced in the new year.

There were 44 entries for the Community News Project award, now in its second year, which recognises the exceptional work done by reporters under the Community News Project banner.

The judges praised the high standard of entries, and shortlisted five of the community reporters for the award.

The Academy for Disabled Journalists has been shortlisted alongside Glasgow Caledonian University and The Star, Sheffield for this year’s equality, diversity and inclusion award, sponsored by the Financial Times.

This award, now in its third year, recognises the outstanding work of individuals, educators and employers who promote equality, diversity and inclusion in the media and training sector.

Leeds Trinity University, News Associates and the University of Brighton have been shortlisted for the Innovation of the Year award, which aims to encourage and recognise innovation in journalism education and training.

Awards will also be presented to the colleges, universities and independent providers with the top performing NCTJ-accredited courses based on students’ performance in the Diploma in Journalism.

The winners will be announced in a virtual ceremony in March.

The winner of the 2020 chairman’s award, which recognises a nominated individual’s outstanding contribution to high standards of journalism training and education, will also be announced at the event.

Click here to view the shortlist.

Thank you to all our 2020 awards judges:

Michael Adkins, senior group editor, Archant
Nicky Bandini, sports writer and broadcaster
Holly Baxter, US opinion editor, Independent
Vaishali Bhardwaj, TV reporter, Premier League Productions
Abu Bundu-Kamara, global diversity and inclusion lead, Boeing
Andy Cairns, former executive editor, Sky Sports News
Craig Chisnall, staff editor, The Athletic
Mark Edwards, editor, Peterborough Telegraph
Nancy Fielder, editor, The Star, Sheffield
Katie French, editor, Basingstoke Gazette and Andover Advertiser
Alan Geere, editorial consultant and journalism educator
Will Gore, head of partnerships and projects, NCTJ
Justine Hancock, editor of the Good Health section, Daily Mail
Louise Hastings, managing editor, Sky News
Catherine Houlihan, managing editor, ITV News Border
Nikki O’Donnell, editor, BBC Look East
Luke Jacobs, editor of KentLive and SussexLive
Michelle Johnson, editor, Tempus Magazine
Jim Mansell, consultant sport editor, Daily Mail
Matthew Millard, producer, Laudable Podcasts, Reach plc
James Preston, editor, Maidenhead Advertiser and Slough and Windsor Express
David Rowell, former editorial trainer
Chris Rushton, media consultant and trainer
Abbie Scott, deputy managing editor, Financial Times
Bruce Talbot, media assistant, Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
Doug Wills, editor emeritus, Evening Standard and Independent
Jess Wilson, acting digital features editor, The Sun
Emma Youle, special correspondent, HuffPost UK