Full list of winners for the Women in Local News Awards 2022
The Women in Local news Awards is a chance to shine a spotlight on our female journalists to recognise their work.
Jacqui Merrington, Discovery Director at Reach hosted and presented the awards on Friday. She has worked across regional more than 60 sites and passionately believes in the power of local journalism to make a difference in people and communities.
“It is my great pleasure to be standing here today to present what has become an annual highlight of the Behind Local News website — our Women in Local News Awards”
These awards are supported by Women In Journalism and we are delighted to be presenting them on their behalf today.
Apprentice of the Year Award — Tamika Green of the Bury Free Press.
Our judges said: “This is a community reporter who is committed to representing marginalised groups in the community by telling their stories and giving them a voice.”
Inspiring Journalist of the Year- Lynda Moyo from the REACH Central team.
Our judges had to say: “An inspirational and influential leader who is not afraid to challenge her colleagues to think differently, work smarter and be the best they can be.
“Chairing the ethnicity inclusion network ReachCulture, it is clear she is determined to make a difference and challenge perceptions — as well as still finding the time to support parents with her popular LemonAid newsletter to connect families all over the country each week.”
Specialist Reporter of the Year — Lindsay Bruce of the The Dundee Courier.
Our judges said: “In a particularly difficult category, this entry clinched the award for demonstrating how to carve out a new specialism in obituary reporting — and storytelling with empathy and even joy in celebrating lives of people pleased.”
We also have a runner-up in this category and that was Claire Wilde from JPIMedia.
Scoop of the year — Gill Sutherland of the Stratford Herald
Our judges said: “Scoop after scoop — exposing truth and wrong-doing as all investigative reporters should do.”
Journalist Trainer of the Year — Clare Johnston from DC Thomson
Such an important role in our newsrooms as we look to develop the talent we have in our industry
“From creating the “Imposters” group as a wry nod to building women’s confidence to empowering other women in their roles — Clare is more than a trainer — she is every support a journalist needs”
UNSUNG HERO award — Helen Johnson of the Manchester Evening News
The award is given to someone who behind the scenes works without looking for recognition to support others.
Our judges chose the winner because:
“It’s clear she is a highly valued member of the team who goes the extra mile not only to represent colleagues through her work with the NUJ, but as someone who dedicates considerable time to developing and encouraging young journalists, and as a mental health first aider, providing crucial support to colleagues in difficult times.”
We also have a highly commended: Kate Young from the Isle of Wight County Press
The What’s On Journalist award — Kirsty Bosley, a freelancer from Birmingham
Our judges said: “Her refreshingly honest and hugely relatable style makes the reader feel immediately comfortable in her presence and entertained throughout her reviews. Her work stands out for its distinctive style, warmth and for being both highly engaging and informative.”
Image Journalist of the year — Gayle Marsh from Wales Online
This is what our judges had to say:
“A great all rounder, turning her hand from stills to video. She had a natural ability at getting people relaxed enough to be interviewed in front of the camera and that is a skill in itself. And to top every story off there are photographs to tell the story too.”
Highly Commended was Brittany Woodman from Newsquest
The Reporter of the Year — Lydia Chantler-Hicks from Kent Online
Our judges selected our winner saying:
“She is the epitome of an excellent all-rounder, be it turning her hand to hard-hitting features, breaking news or shining a light on often over-shadowed topics.
Her knack for telling a story has united her community to help make a positive and lasting difference. There is nothing more powerful and compelling in local journalism than giving a community a voice — and that is something she has done with aplomb.”
Digital Journalist of the Year award — Cathy Owen from WalesOnline
Our judges had this to say:
“Our winner is in tune with what her audience want, when they want it and is a trusted member of her community which ensures she not only gets the story first but is able to dig into powerful human-interest stories too. It’s a tough gig when you’re training and upskilling colleagues on top of the day job and she is doing brilliantly.”
The Sports Reporter — Sophie Goodwin — from the P and J in Aberdeen
This category is a really important one for us as we try to encourage more women into sports reporting — and we are beginning to see success with this judging by the strength of this category.
This is what our judges said out our winner:
“She has performed wonders raising the profile of women’s football through her journalism and also ion confronting issues such as sexism that still exists in the sport”
Trainee of the Year — Olivia Marshall of the Brighton Argus
Our judges said of this winner:
“She stood out for producing an investigation into drink spiking — a brilliant piece of journalism which put a hugely important topic on the agenda. The story was well written and presented with interactive online content formats to dig deep into a big issue, combining data with emotional interviews with victims. She is a talent for the future.”
Mentor of the Year Award — Sarah Elmes of Plymouth Live
The importance this role has in helping to support women journalists to progress in their careers.
Our judges said:
“Our winner has an awful lot on her plate but doesn’t shy away from helping others, even if they sit outside of her immediate team. She instils confidence in those around her with an honest and compassionate approach and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure her colleagues succeed.”
Content Editor of the Year — Bethan Evans from BBC West Online
The judges praised our winner for not only doing her job but also demonstrating she has a great career ahead of her.
This is what they said:
A fully-rounded newsroom leader — demonstrating great leadership, ability to reshape digital output for the future and pushing her teams every day.
Editor of the Year award — Sarah Lester of the Manchester Evening News
This award was judged by the Women In Journalism Committee:
They said:
“The Women in Journalism committee felt this person had boldly led her team to produce confident journalism which was relevant and respected by her title’s readers and which upheld the proud tradition of the brand.”
Outstanding Woman Journalist of the year — Lynda Moyo — from the Reach Central Team
It is sponsored by the Women in Journalism organisation which has done so much to promote the cause of women in our profession.
Laura Collins who is a member of the committee, and Publisher of the City World portfolio at National World, announced our outstanding woman of the year award.
The judges said:
“The Women in Journalism committee were deeply impressed with how she had inspired and supported more broader and representative reporting at Reach and brought to life the ideas of diversity of inclusion in content.”
