Ten journalists added to shortlist for Awards for Excellence 2023, sponsored by News UK

News UK has been revealed as the headline sponsor for the NCTJ’s Awards for Excellence 2023.

This comes as ten journalists who achieved outstanding marks in the NCTJ’s 2022-23 exams have been added to the shortlisted for the performance categories.

Six candidates have been shortlisted for the student of the year award, sponsored by The News Movement, following their outstanding results in the 2022-23 Diploma in Journalism exams:

• Alexandra Banfi, journalist, BBC News (training centre: Cardiff University)
• Eve Bennett, TV producer, Sky News (training centre: News Associates London)
• Bethan Finighan, reporter, Kennedy News and Media (training centre: News Associates Manchester)
• Noah Keate, reporter, Politico Europe (training centre: News Associates London)
• Harriet Muckle, freelance broadcast journalist and presenter (training centre: University of Salford)
• Molly Pavord, journalist, Splash News (training centre: News Associates London)

Based on their performance in the National Qualification in Journalism (NQJ) in 2022-23, there are four journalists on the shortlist for the trainee of the year award, sponsored by Alder Media:

• Victoria Finan, social affairs correspondent, Yorkshire Post
• Megan Howe, news reporter, MailOnline (previously Shropshire Star)
• Jacob Panons, digital journalist, BBC South East (previously Eastbourne Herald)
• William Payne, deputy editor, Cruise Trade News and World of Cruising (previously TTG Media)

Sarah Gallo, executive vice president and chief people officer of News UK, said: “We’re so pleased to support the NCTJ Awards for Excellence this year.

“These awards celebrate the very best journalists, apprentices and trainees, a cause very close to our hearts at News UK.

“We have been honoured to work with the NCTJ over the years to support journalists in the media industry, helping to forge a path for ever more diverse newsrooms with talent from all backgrounds.”

This comes as the NCTJ announces the presentation ceremony will this year be held at the Royal College of Physicians in London on Friday, 22 March.

Around 200 journalists will attend the prestigious event, including journalists, trainers and supporters, as well as shortlisted entrants and their guests.

Joanne Forbes, NCTJ chief executive, said: “We are very excited to hold this year’s Awards for Excellence ceremony and celebratory lunch at the Royal College of Physicians’ base at Regent’s Park.

“I’d like to thank Dr Jamie Read and his family, who partner with the NCTJ on the specialist Thomas Read bursary through the Journalism Diversity Fund, for helping us secure this fantastic venue.

“Congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted for the performance awards for achieving the best results in our professional qualification.”

The awards celebration will be preceded by an accreditation seminar for course leaders, to discuss the latest developments in journalism education and training.

All the shortlisted entrants will receive a certificate to showcase their achievement.

Read the full shortlist here.