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Outstanding Journalism

This is an award for journalism which has improved public understanding of criminal justice, challenged perceptions, encouraged debate or inspired people to take positive action in the last 12 months. 

Nominees can be print, online or broadcast journalists. Teams of journalists may be nominated. 

Individuals can nominate themselves, or they can be nominated by someone else. 

The deadline for nominations is 27 September 2021. 

Media Awards criteria

Entries will be judged against the following criteria: 

1. Relevant content

  • The focus must be on criminal justice such as: crime prevention, diversion, policing, courts, victim services, restorative justice, prisons and / or probation.
  • It must show what works, not just what is broken.
  • Demonstrates originality and relevance, including ‘hidden’ voices and issues.

2. Challenges perceptions  

  • Challenges myths and avoids stereotypes, clichés, negative terminology and sensationalism.   
  • Encourages dialogue and discussion.

3. Well-crafted and responsibly sourced  

  • Must be well researched, accurate and based on evidence with credible sources.   
  • Engaging, persuasive and appropriate for the audience for which it was intended.  

4. Safe and sensitive 

  • Portrays individuals’ experiences authentically, humanely and sensitively.   
  • Sets individuals’ experiences within a wider social policy context. 

5. Reach and impact   

  • Influences and inspires people to think differently, care about the issue and take positive action.  
  • Consideration will be given to the audience reached in terms of number and / or a demographic likely to be less well informed about criminal justice and/or those who are able to make positive change in the system and/or those who are affected by the criminal justice system. 

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Outstanding Journalism