Our 2026 Judging Panel
Abigail Rabbett is Head of Online and Content at Wenta. She began my career in the fast-paced world of journalism, and at 23 became Reach plc's youngest ever editor when she took the helm of Cambridgeshire Live, before going on to edit LondonWorld and take on a number of senior editorial roles at National World (now Iconic Media). She's always believed the best journalism is about people. Whether she was chasing breaking news, interviewing everyone from local heroes to household names, or leading busy digital newsrooms, her goal was always the same: to create content that informs, inspires and genuinely connects with its audience. Today, she brings those same journalistic instincts to Wenta, where she helps thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners start and grow successful businesses through websites, podcasts, video and social media. She still gets the same buzz from finding the right angle, asking the right questions and turning complex ideas into content that people genuinely want to read, watch and share.
What are you looking for in winning entries?
I'm looking for entries that showcase creativity, originality and, above all, powerful storytelling. The best journalism always puts people at the heart of the story, and I'd love to see work that informs, challenges or inspires through strong reporting and compelling writing. I'm particularly excited to see how the next generation of journalists is taking traditional reporting skills and bringing them to life in a fast-paced digital world. Whether that's through video, social media, podcasts, newsletters or innovative audience engagement, great journalism should never stand still. The fundamentals remain the same, but the ways we tell stories are constantly evolving, and that's what makes this industry so exciting.
What top tip would you give to this year's entrants?
Don't lose sight of why you became a journalist in the first place. In an industry that's constantly evolving, it's easy to get caught up in algorithms, platforms and the next big thing. Those things matter, but your curiosity, integrity and passion for telling important stories matter even more. The technology will keep changing, but great journalism will always be about asking the right questions, earning people's trust and giving a voice to those who need to be heard. Hold on to that, and you'll always be relevant.
The Press 30 under 30 Awards in three words:
Bragging rights earned.
Dr Alan Geere was a newspaper editor in the UK, America, Canada and Trinidad & Tobago and a media development professional around the world including Romania, Afghanistan, Russia and Vietnam.
Original journalism going beyond the handout.
Make those calls, pounds those streets.
The Press 30 under 30 Awards in three words
Where we're going.
Amanda Ferguson from north Belfast has been a freelance journalist since 2010. She is an in demand writer, broadcaster and event host. She is director of Women in Media Belfast CIC, on the NEC and freelance council of the NUJ, and chair of the Give Inc Women's Fund.
A cut above the rest. Stories that make you want to keep reading.
Give us the best you've got.
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.
Evidence of quality, original journalism that stands out in a world increasingly dominated by AI - work that only a human could produce.
Be curious. Listen. Work your contacts. Those three factors are what makes the best journalists stand out.
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.
Jo Burford is a leading creator economy expert with more than a decade of experience shaping creator culture and brand partnerships. Since starting her career in the creator economy in 2012 at Talenthouse, she has held senior creator roles at Twitter/X, Whalar and TikTok, where she was Head of Creators for the UK, Nordics and Ireland. She now leads creator and influencer strategy across EMEA for Edelman, helping clients grow through culturally relevant work.
I'm looking for people with good judgement, integrity and dedication to their work. I value creativity and smart thinking over working with big budgets.
Let your personality come through and steer clear from clickbait style headlines. I'm looking for genuine qualities that stand out.
Justice Williams MBE is a publisher, personal brand strategist and entrepreneur, and the founder of Second Chapter Studios. She is the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Black Business Magazine, a leading UK business publication that celebrates entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation. With more than 20 years of experience across publishing, journalism, media and business, Justice has interviewed and profiled some of the UK's most influential founders, executives and changemakers. She is passionate about championing emerging talent, elevating underrepresented voices and recognising excellence across the industry.
I'm looking for journalists who combine outstanding reporting with originality, integrity and impact. The strongest entries will demonstrate excellent storytelling, a clear contribution to their audience and publication, and the potential to shape the future of British journalism.
Don't underestimate your impact. Let your work speak for itself by clearly demonstrating the difference you've made, the stories you've championed and the value you've brought to your audience, publication and the wider industry.
Ambitious. Influential. Inspiring.
Luke Jacobs is the London-based editor for CNN's Live News team. He joined from the Guardian, where he worked for the digital and front-page team. He is an experienced journalist and editor, previously working as reporter, news editor, editor and senior regional editor for Reach, where he was launch editor for the KentLive and MyLondon regional news sites.
Promising entries show an abundance of creativity regardless of the subject matter, originality in treatment and awareness of the best use of digital tools, combined with a strong and consistent body of work.
Make your entries as clear and concise as possible, talk up your career achievements so far, and your ambitions. Highlight your best work by explaining how you obtained your story or came up with your content idea(s), how you developed them and how you gauged their success.
Michael is a reporter, sub, sports editor, features editor, design editor, media consultant, publisher. 56 years in journalism and the media, including The Daily Telegraph, The Times, The Independent. Phd (DJourn) in journalism, City University.
Innovation, good journalism practice, news insight.
Innovate, report the facts, generate interest.
Recognise new talent.
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.
Sally Chatterton is Editor of UnHerd. Her distinguished career in journalism has included senior positions at the Daily Telegraph, The Independent, Daily Mail, and Evening Standard.
Ambitious storytelling, gripping writing, an understanding of the power, and importance of great journalism.
Be dogged and determined in your pursuit of a subject and ambitious in your story-telling.
Exciting new talent.
Sanina is a former journalist, who has been working in PR, comms and copywriting for more than 20 years. She cut her teeth in journalism, which involved spending seven years as a print and broadcast journalist and working her way up from Trainee Reporter to Editor level for several regional titles. Sanina then went on to work in local Government corporate communications before moving back into the private sector where she worked for award-winning PR and marketing agencies. During this time, she spent several years delivering content strategy and inbound marketing B2B and B2C campaigns for one of the largest HubSpot Diamond marketing agency partners in the UK. Fast forward to the here and now, and Sanina has been providing individuals, businesses and agencies with dedicated content, PR and awards support for the last decade. Throughout her entire career, she has written - and continues to write - every single day. Passionate about helping the next generation of talent, Sanina is a professional mentor for Birmingham City University.
I'm looking for genuine journalistic instinct: stories that broke real news and changed conversations. I'll also be keeping an eye out for evidence of stories being chased rather than being waited for it - an original angle, a source others missed, a piece that made people talk. Craft matters, but craft combined with curiosity is what truly makes the biggest impact.
Don't focus on the topic you think the judges want to read about. A modest local story reported with real skill and heart is capable of beating a 'bigger' national topic covered without much depth or originality behind it.
Journalism's rising stars.
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
Steven has been the Editor of TV Mag in The Sun for 12 years. Editor of TV Soap in The Sun from launch. BSME Editor of the Year winner.
Innovation, originality, use of modern technology, diversity in execution, potential, aptitude and attitude
Sorry, does this mean with their entry or in their career?! With their entry: It's sometimes never easy, but have an ego - shout about yourself. Say why you should win and prove it. With their career: embrace everything - what you're told, what you hear, what you see, new technology, people and publications/platforms. It's all knowledge.
Our industry's future.
Former Managing Editor of the Daily Telegraph, Sue has held executive posts at Today newspaper, The Mail on Sunday and Observer magazine. She is currently running the Mail trainee scheme.
Strong journalism from a young generation.
Tenacity, an understanding of what makes a good story, accuracy and good writing.
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.
Vincent is a former national newspaper political editor for two decades. Political commentator, broadcaster and strategic adviser.
Agenda-setting exclusives.
Never give up.
Reward for talent.
A former journalist and political advisor, Will began his career in local newspapers, local radio and regional TV, spent 15 years covering sport, politics and foreign affairs for ITN and the BBC, and jumped ship in 2012 to advise Boris Johnson. These days he is Senior Counsel at the global communications firm Edelman.
Storytelling with impact, and a 'dog with a bone' approach to your reporting.
Be you, be tenacious, never take no for an answer, and always remember that what you are doing really matters and can make a difference.
This industry's future.
With more to be announced soon .......
