NewsBrands Ireland Journalism Awards attract 1,200 entries

Entries for the 2016 NewsBrands Ireland Journalism Awards have risen by 50 per cent since they were last held in 2013.

A total of 1,200 entries were submitted for the awards, now sponsored by the National Lottery, making the scheme the biggest showcase of Irish journalism ever held, organisers said.

“Now that the awards are back, we are delighted not just by the volume of entries but by the outstanding quality of work submitted,” said NewsBrands chairman Vincent Crowley.

“As a snapshot of how our industry is faring, I think a total of 1,200 entries shows the dedication and diversity that Irish journalism represents today.”

The 32-strong judging panel – comprising national journalists and editors – is being chaired by Prof John Horgan, former press ombudsman of Ireland.

The awards ceremony will take place on November 3rd in Dublin’s Mansion House, where awards will be presented in 25 categories, including news, foreign, business, crime and politics, and the journalist of the year will be announced.

At the awards in 2013, Kitty Holland of The Irish Times won journalist of the year for breaking the story of Savita Halappanavar.