Introducing the CIoJ Young Journalist of the Year Awards
Designed to recognise outstanding achievements by journalists aged 30 and under, these awards celebrate excellence across various categories:
Business/Financial Journalist of the Year
This award will recognise entries highlighting the financial aspects of a particular company, sector or issue. This could involve funding for projects, companies’ finances, corporate governance or any other business elements of a sector. The judges will be seeking meaningful articles that clearly demonstrate an overall understanding of the sector, subject, and the needs of their readers, as well as sound business and financial outcomes.
Campaigning Journalist of the Year
The entry can be a series of articles, broadcasts or digital posts that have made a difference in society and serve the public interest. The campaign can focus on any sector, for instance: consumer affairs, personal finance, travel, health, business/financial and the public sector.
Political Correspondent of the Year
Entries should demonstrate journalistic skill and rigour, that is revelatory and which serves to inform the UK public interest. This category can include campaigns (i.e.; all three articles can cover different aspects of the same topic) that have scrutinised and brought new information to light on important issues.
Environment Journalist of the Year
Entrants need to clearly demonstrate that they have used research, and investigative skills on writing about any sector of the environment.
The three articles in this category can also form an investigative campaign on a single issue.
Sports Journalist of the Year
The focus of this category is relevant for journalists who have used strong investigative skills in the world of sport that inform and serve the public interest.
Arts Journalist of the Year
This award covers:
Visual Arts: including architecture, ceramics, drawing, filmmaking, painting, photography, and sculpting.
Literary Arts: including fiction, drama. poetry and prose.
Performing Arts: including dance, music, and theatre.
Entries can include the analysis and assessment of the merits and faults of a literary or artistic work, profiles, together with interviews.
News Reporter of the Year
Entries in this category should be accompanied by an explanation of no more than 150 words maximum per article, giving the background to the three articles submitted. For example, you may wish to explain that the story was an ‘exclusive’ or that the degree of research or teamwork required to produce the story was of particular merit.
Feature Writer of the Year
Entries for this category should be accompanied by an explanation of no more than 150 words maximum per article, outlining the three articles relevance to current issues in any sector.
This category also allows for a series of articles (no more than three) on the same subject over two or more issues of a publication or online platform.
Join Us
Embrace the opportunity to highlight your journalistic prowess. Submit your entries and be part of a legacy that celebrates the best in journalism.
Key dates:
- Call for Entries Open: Tuesday 1st October
- Call for Entries Close: Tuesday 5th November
- Online longlist judging commences: Monday 11th November
- Online longlist judging concludes: Monday 9th December
- Shortlist judging: January/February 2025
- Nominations announced: February
- Awards Presentations: Tuesday 25th March 2025
Award Entry Benefits
Entering the Chartered Institute of Journalists Young Journalist of the Year Award provides numerous benefits, including:
- 12 months complimentary Membership to CIoJ:
- Press accreditation
- International Press Card (if applicable)
- 24-hour advice line, including
- legal advice
- tax advice
- counselling support
- free CPD seminars
- journalists’ resources
- networking
- Exclusive Invitation to attend the Awards presentation at the Society of Editors annual conference
- Opportunity to meet leading journalists and editors
- Awards 2025 Winners logo
- Awards 2025 Finalists logo
- Post-event publicity
- Professional photo receiving your award
- Winner’s 'wrap up' video
Seize this opportunity to advance your career, gain recognition, and connect with industry leaders.
Entry Criteria and Judging Process
Entries are evaluated based on content, style, and impact, and are open to all journalistic platforms. Submissions are self-entered, either as individuals or as part of a media platform. Specific criteria:
- Under 30 years old OR no more than 2 years’ experience
- Across all journalistic platforms
- Self-entry (either as an individual or part of a media platform)
Each category entry must be accompanied by a completed entry form and three different articles published in the twelve-month period ending 30th September 2024.
PLEASE NOTE THAT EACH ENTRY OF THREE ARTICLES MUST HAVE A COMPLETED ENTRY FORM AND A STATEMENT, WHERE APPLICABLE, INCLUDED IN THE PDF.
If the articles are not by-lined, confirmation of authorship from the editor should also be included in the PDF.
Please note all entries may be accompanied by an explanation, maximum 150 words for each article. The News and Features categories must be accompanied by a 150-word explanation for each article.
All articles in each category must relate to the category. Articles published in house journals/newsletters are not eligible.
Collaborative entries
A portfolio of three pieces of work by more than one journalist may be submitted; each article must be by-lined by two or more writers and the names of at least two contributors must be common to no less than two articles.
Judges, distinguished figures from journalism and related industries, ensure the highest standards of journalistic achievement are upheld.
Honouring Tradition, Embracing Innovation
The CIoJ has upheld journalistic integrity and excellence for over a century. Today, under new president,
Gerald Bowey's leadership, CIoJ continues to champion these values while embracing the opportunities and challenges of the digital age, dedicated to advancing the interests of journalists across print, broadcast, and online platforms.
Whether you're a young journalist eager to showcase your work or a supporter of journalistic excellence, explore how you can participate in this prestigious event. Join us in celebrating the future of journalism.
