Our 2026 Judging Panel
Bryan Glick is an award-winning editor and journalist. He is editor in chief of Computer Weekly, one of Europe's leading business technology publications, where he leads an international team of 30 journalists writing in five languages from the UK, France, Germany, Singapore, Mexico, Dubai and the USA, supported by a global network of contributors. Under his leadership, in 2024 Computer Weekly won eight national media awards for its journalism and its role in exposing the Post Office scandal - these included the prestigious Orwell Special Prize; Campaign of the Year at the British Journalism Awards; and Bryan was voted Editor's Editor of the Year by the British Society of Magazine Editors. He has twice received the BSME B2B Editor of the Year award.
What are you looking for in winning entries?
Evidence of quality, original journalism that stands out in a world increasingly dominated by AI - work that only a human could produce.
What top tip would you give to this year's entrants?
Be curious. Listen. Work your contacts. Those three factors are what makes the best journalists stand out.
The Press 30 under 30 Awards in three words:
Pushing journalism forward.
Charlotte Ikonen is Head of Digital Content and Trusted Local News at Newsquest, where she works with journalists across the UK on digital storytelling, audience growth and newsroom development. She regularly delivers training and coaching to help reporters build new skills and reach more readers.
I'm looking for people whose work stands out and who are helping move journalism forward. That could be through a brilliant piece of reporting, a fresh approach to storytelling or by finding new ways to reach audiences. Most of all, I want to see evidence of real impact and a clear passion for the industry.
Don't be afraid to tell your story. It's easy to focus on what you've produced, but I'm also interested in the thinking behind it, the challenges you overcame and the impact your work had. Assume the judges know nothing about you and make it easy for them to understand why your work stands out.
Recognising journalism's future.
Barnie Choudhury is an award-winning journalist. Parliament has quoted his work several times over his almost five decades in our industry. This year, the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC) lost its case for £14,000 costs after a court ruling over the reporter's fight to get information. Choudhury's teaching the next generation of journalists at the University of East Anglia, as well causing trouble for those who deserve to be held to account in the greatest traditions of journalism.
Never be afraid to go up against those in power. Our job is to hold them to account, without fear or favour. Do real journalism, not PR.
Fearless. Fearsome. Forensic.
Sheena McStravick is the Editor of Belfast Live and was one of the first Live News Reporters hired for the launch of the brand in February 2015. She was previously Belfast Live's Be Lifestyle editor when the brand launched its first designated female-led lifestyle platform in 2020. Sheena was then appointed as Editor of Belfast Live in November 2022. She started her career at a local newspaper in Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland, after completing a BA Hons degree at Liverpool John Moores University.
Succinct entries that demonstrate their skills and abilities, and what makes their work stand out from the rest. Examples of their work and the impact it has had.
Try and think about what makes you and your work stand out from the crowd, don't be afraid to talk about the process that led you to a great scoop/impactful story.
Impactful, Credible and Worthwhile
Sunny Hundal has been a columnist at the Independent, Guardian and Hindustan Times, and written for numerous outlets across the world. Writer and presenter of BBC1's 'Young, Sikh and Proud', and formerly the Independent's Deputy opinion editor.
I'm looking for journalists with a fresh and original voice who aren't afraid to bring their own style to telling important stories from around the world.
In a world of AI slop, be original, be bold and don't be afraid to connect with your audience through professionalism.
With more to be announced soon .......
