Winning a journalism award can be career changing and it is always great to have your hard work recognised.
But for a freelancer there can be merits and drawbacks to applying for awards, particularly when there are expensive fees cutting into your already tight budget. So to help you out with the chance for publicity and prizes but with no upfront cost, we have compiled a list of nine journalism awards you may want to consider this spring.
The Paul Foot Award for Investigative and Campaigning Journalism
This awards an £8,000 prize in honour of the late investigative journalist. Entries must consist of work published in a newspaper or magazine in the UK, or on a website, between 1 April 2023 and 26 March 2024. Deadline: 1 PM GMT 26 March
Aerospace Media Awards
Entries are considered from international journalists and publishers who have made a significant contribution to aerospace journalism in 22 distinct categories from Best New Aviation Journalist to Best Space Submission. Nominations can be submitted for work published from 23 April 2023 to the end of March 2024. Deadline: 26 March
The Orwell Prize for Journalism
Set up to credit writers who have the Orwellian ability ‘to make political writing into an art.’ Shortlisted journalists have written on topics from racism and Taliban rule, to capitalism and hunger crises. Applicants must submit a minimum of three entries by a recognised publisher, news organisation or broadcaster, and must show a link to the UK or Ireland through residency, citizenship, or publication. Winner will receive £3,000. Deadline: 31 March
The Orwell Prize for Reporting Homelessness
A unique award paying homage to George Orwell’s Down and Out in Paris and London this is open to freelancers and unpublished writers. It highlights contemporary issues of rough sleeping to increase public understanding and reduce stigma by honouring personal commentary and evidence-led reporting on homelessness. Deadline: 31 March
Piazza Grande Religion Journalism Award
The International Association of Religion Journalists set up this award to promote responsible journalism and gives three prizes worth €2,000, €500 and €250. Entries must have already been published in Europe or the Mediterranean basin and reflect the impact of religion. Deadline: 11 AM GMT 15 April
The Royal Philharmonic Society Young Classical Writers Prize
Open to UK writers aged 16 to 25, this award offers the chance to win up to £500 for an article or programme note about classical music. The winner will also have additional writing published in a concert programme, promotional magazine, or the website of a British classical music organisation. Deadline: 11 AM GMT 18 April
The Kurt Schork Awards in International Journalism
Here three winners will be awarded $5000 for exceptional published work covering international news, working in a developing nation, and as a news fixer. Deadline: 31 May
The Rory Peck Awards
These have honoured the work of freelance journalists for nearly 30 years with awards across several categories including the prominent Martin Adler Prize celebrating a reporter with significant international contributions. Opens Spring 2024
Freelance Journalism Awards!
And last but not least, our Freelance Journalism Awards are back this year! Bit cheeky to add this one as entry is not yet open but watch this space. Any UK-based journalist can apply for a chance to win £100 across seven categories including: Best Broadcast Journalist; Best Print Journalist; Best Specialist Journalist; Best News Story; Best Feature; Best Investigation; and Best Piece of Work by a Student or an Early Career Journalist. Deadline: TBC
What’s coming up
We have revamped our four-week online course which we do in partnership with Journalism.co.uk and we start the next run on the 22nd April. If you are new to freelance journalism or want to boost your work and get lots of feedback, support and guidance as you go, this may be just what you’re looking for. Kickstart your freelance journalism career is one of the most reasonably priced courses out there and previous attendees have achieved commissions on the back of pitches they worked with us on in the Guardian, Metro, Runner’s World and EuroNews to name but a few.
To find out more and grab your place for April, click the button below. We should stress this can all be done in your own time, assignments are voluntary and the course also now includes live Q&A sessions.
Triumph of the week
Hitting all the work targets to free up time for a big project
That feeling when
A plan comes together
We love to hear your feedback on everything we do, so feel free to drop us an email anytime at freelancingforjournalists@gmail.com
Bye for now!