Stills Photographer of the Year
Ffotograffydd Llonydd y Flwyddyn

This category seeks to identify outstanding visual imagery captured by a stills photographer or photojournalist between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025.

Submissions should consist of either three new photographs or a series of three feature photographs. At least one of these photos must have been published on a publicly viewable non-passworded platform eg a website or print outlet but the others can be unpublished photographs.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales for an audience in Wales.

You must:

• Submit either three photographs from three separate news stories or a series of three photographs which illustrate a feature.
• Upload a jpg of the image AND – for published photographs - a PDF of the printed page on which it appeared with the publication date visible or a link to the website on which it appeared.
• Where you are submitting a link to your work it is a condition of entry that this link must be live and remain live until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Supply a supporting statement (maximum 300 words) explaining your work and how it was obtained/produced.

Judges will be looking for:

• Imagery which enhances the telling of the story
• Imagery which has high impact
• Creativity of shots
• (For 3 picture feature stories submitted) Visual pace.

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Mae penderfyniad y beirniaid yn y categori hwn yn derfynol ac ni fydd unrhyw ohebiaeth.

Self-Shoot Journalist of the Year / Newyddiadurwr Hunan-Saethu y Flwyddyn

This category is open to journalists who carry a camera and shoot and edit the story themselves. It can cover video output for transmission and websites. It can be shot on video camera, DSLRs or camera phones but must have been shot and edited entirely by the journalists submitting their work.

The submitted work must have been produced in Wales for an audience in Wales and shown on a Welsh TV channel news programme or appeared on a Wales-based news website between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025.

You must:

• Upload three submissions to YouTube and include the links or provide links to a website(s) where your submissions can be viewed. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live and remain live until the end of February 2026. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Only submit one entry consisting of three items for this category.
• Supply a supporting statement (maximum 300 words) explaining your work and how it was obtained/produced.

Judges will be looking for:

• Creativity of shots – whether actuality footage or planned sequences
• Technical expertise
• Quality of picture
• Pictures which enhance understanding of the story

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Mae penderfyniad y beirniaid yn y categori hwn yn derfynol ac ni fydd unrhyw ohebiaeth.

News Writer of the Year
Awdur Newyddion y Flwyddyn

This covers short form writing for all sources of output, newspapers and online. For the three best news stories or one series of three news stories on any one topic which appeared in print or online between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales for an audience in Wales.

You must:

• Provide your stories as PDFs of the page(s) on which they appeared or links to electronic versions of your work. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live and remain live until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Only submit one entry for this category.
• Supply a supporting statement (maximum 300 words) explaining your work and how it was obtained/produced.

Judges will be looking for:

• All-round quality in depth and breadth of news gathering and reporting
• Stories which enlighten readers / listeners /viewers and provide answers
• Work which is exclusive
• Exposés, campaigns and investigative journalism
• Insight, analysis or examination of the context of stories
• Journalism which results in change or which makes an identifiable impact (social, political, corporate, organisational) along with evidence of that change
• Use of a range of multimedia platforms and graphics to enhance and develop the story
• Evidence of work that went into getting the story - the number of sources used
• Originality and creativity – for example, stories exploring new angles on familiar topics
• Style of writing/delivery, the use of language
• Story construction and structure – clarity of presentation of the story, compelling lead/opening
• Ability to distil and present complex topics in an understandable and accessible way
• Accuracy, fairness and balance of reporting

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Mae penderfyniad y beirniaid yn y categori hwn yn derfynol ac ni fydd unrhyw ohebiaeth.

Audio News Journalist of the Year
Newyddiadurwr Newyddion Sain y Flwyddyn

This award covers all forms of audio output including radio, audio blogs and podcasts. For the three best radio/audio news stories or one series of three radio/audio news stories on any one topic broadcast on radio or carried as an audio podcast on a news website or online platform between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales for an audience in Wales.

You must:

• Provide an MP3 file or upload your submissions to YouTube and include the link or provide a link to a website where your work can be listened to. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live and remain live until the end of the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Only submit one entry consisting of three audio stories/audio podcasts for this category.
• Supply a supporting statement (maximum 300 words) explaining your work and how it was obtained/produced.

Judges will be looking for:

• All-round quality in depth and breadth of news gathering and reporting
• Stories which enlighten listeners and provide answers
• Work which is exclusive
• Exposés, campaigns and investigative journalism
• Insight, analysis or examination of the context of stories
• Journalism which results in change or which makes an identifiable impact (social, political, corporate, organisational) along with evidence of that change
• Evidence of work that went into getting the story - the number of sources used
• Originality and creativity – for example, stories exploring new angles on familiar topics
• Style of delivery, the use of language
• Story construction and structure –clarity of presentation of the story, compelling lead/opening
• Ability to distil and present complex topics in an understandable and accessible way
• Accuracy, fairness and balance of reporting
• Quality of audio content, atmospheric sound

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
Mae penderfyniad y beirniaid yn y categori hwn yn derfynol ac ni fydd unrhyw ohebiaeth.

Television News Journalist of the Year
Newyddiadurwr Newyddion Teledu y Flwyddyn

Television News Journalist of the Year

Submissions should consist of three news stories, or one series of three news stories on any one topic.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales for an audience in Wales and shown on a Welsh TV channel news programme or appeared on a Wales-based news website between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025.

You must:

• Upload your submissions to YouTube, and include the links, or provide a link to a website where your work can be viewed. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Only submit one entry for this category of a maximum of 15 minutes in total, consisting of three items.
• Supply a supporting statement (maximum 300 words), explaining your work and how it was obtained/produced.

Judges will be looking for:

• All-round quality in depth and breadth of news gathering and reporting.
• Evidence of work which results in change or which makes an identifiable impact – social, political, corporate or organisational – eg through exposes and investigative journalism.
• Work which is exclusive.
• Exposés, campaigns and investigative journalism.
• Insight, analysis, or examination of the context of stories.
• Journalism which results in change or which makes an identifiable impact (social, political, corporate, organisational), along with evidence of that change.
• Exclusivity of content.
• Stories which enlighten readers / listeners /viewers, and provide answers.
• Use of a range of multimedia platforms and graphics to enhance and develop the story.
• Evidence of work that went into getting the story - the number of sources used.
• Originality and creativity – for example, stories exploring new angles on familiar topics.
• Style of writing/delivery, the use of language.
• Story construction and structure –clarity of presentation of the story, compelling lead/opening.
• Ability to distil and present complex topics in an understandable and accessible way.
• Accuracy, fairness and balance of reporting.

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you observe these criteria since failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.

Television Camera Operator of the Year
Gweithredwr Camera Teledu y Flwyddyn

For the best three items filmed by a camera operator in news or current affairs which were broadcast or which appeared online between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025.

The work must have been produced in Wales for an audience in Wales and shown on a Welsh TV channel news or current affairs programme or appeared on a Wales-based news website during the entry period.

You must:

• Upload three submissions to YouTube, and include the links, or provide links to a website(s) where your submissions can be viewed. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Only submit one entry consisting of three items for this category.
• Supply a supporting statement (maximum 300 words), explaining your work and how it was obtained/produced.

Judges will be looking for:

• Creativity of shots – whether actuality footage or planned sequences.
• Technical expertise.
• Quality of picture.
• Pictures which enhance understanding of the story.

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you observe these criteria since failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.

Political Journalist of the Year
Newyddiadurwr Gwleidyddol y Flwyddyn

For the three best political stories, or one series of political stories, which appeared in print, online or were broadcast between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025. Any series submitted should not exceed three articles.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales, for an audience in Wales.

You must:

• Submit stories which appeared in print as PDFs of the page(s) on which they appeared.
• Provide a link for online stories. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Upload radio and TV work to YouTube, and include the links, or provide a link to a website where the work can be viewed or listened to. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Submit only one entry for this category.
• Supply a supporting statement (maximum 300 words), explaining your work and how it was obtained/produced.

Judges will be looking for:

• Content - balance of reporting, accuracy and fairness, engaging reader/listener/viewer interest.
• Style - use of language, a compelling lead/opening, effective use of anecdotes and quotes.
• Structure - clarity of presentation.
• Use of a range of multimedia platforms and graphics to enhance and develop the story.
• Innovation – whether stories highlight underreported stories or issues, or explore new angles on familiar topics.
• Work which is exclusive.
• Exposés, campaigns and investigative journalism.
• Insight, analysis, or examination of the context of stories.
• Journalism which results in change or which makes an identifiable impact (social, political, corporate, organisational), along with evidence of that change.
• Quality and depth of research and analysis.
• Depth of political understanding.

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you observe these criteria since failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.

Sports Journalist of the Year
Newyddiadurwr Chwaraeon y Flwyddyn

For the three best sports news stories, or one series of sports stories, which appeared in print, online or were broadcast between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales, for an audience in Wales.

You must:

• Submit stories which appeared in print as PDFs of the page(s) on which they appeared.
• Provide links for online stories. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Upload radio and TV work to YouTube, and include the links, or provide a link to a website where the work can be viewed or listened to. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Submit only one entry for this category.
• Supply a supporting statement (maximum 300 words), explaining your work and how it was obtained/produced.

Judges will be looking for:

• High quality reporting, commentary and presentation which demonstrates an understanding of the target audience.
• Insight and analysis.
• Exclusive content.
• Strength of interviews.
• Use of a range of multimedia platforms and graphics to enhance and develop the story.
• Atmospheric audio (radio).
• Style of writing/delivery.
• Story construction and structure.
• Good use of quotes/clips.
• Evidence of strong sporting knowledge.

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you observe these criteria since failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.

Feature Writer/Columnist of the Year
Awdur Nodwedd/Colofnydd y Flwyddyn

For the best three best features or columns published in print or online between 1st June 2024 and 31st May 2025 displaying excellent journalistic writing skills, whether in news related or general feature articles. This category now includes columnists.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales, for an audience in Wales.

You must:

• Submit three separate features or a single planned series of three features.
• Submit three personal columns.
• Submit work which appeared in print as PDFs of the page(s) on which they appeared.
• Supply a link for online features. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Submit only one entry for this category.
• Supply a supporting statement (maximum 300 words), explaining your work and how it was obtained/produced.

Judges will be looking for:

• Excellence in journalistic writing skills whether in the news environment or not.
• Journalistic endeavour -going beyond the diary to find a great feature.
• Style - use of language, a compelling lead/opening, effective use of anecdotes and quotes.
• Structure - clarity of presentation, whether the feature distils and presents complex topics in an understandable and accessible way.
• Use of a range of multimedia platforms and graphics to enhance and develop the story.
• Innovation – whether stories highlight underreported stories or issues or explore new angles on familiar topics.
• Choice of interviewees.
• Evidence of research.

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you observe these criteria since failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.

Specialist Journalist of the Year
Newyddiadurwr Arbenigol y Flwyddyn

For the best reporting of stories by mainstream outlets in any specialist area, for example: health, education, business, local government, local democracy, local community matters (including work by Local Democracy Reporters), court, the environment, defence, disability issues and social inclusion, etc, but excluding the areas of politics and sport which have their own individual categories.

Please note separate Independent Community Journalism category for independent outlets.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales, for an audience in Wales.

You must:

• Submit three stories which appeared in print, online or were broadcast between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025. Those stories should demonstrate the long-term commitment of the journalist to their specialist area.
• Submit stories which appeared in print as PDFs of the page(s) on which they appeared.
• Provide a link for online stories. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Upload radio and TV work to YouTube, and include the link, or provide a link to a website where the work can be viewed or listened to. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Submit only one entry for this category.
• Supply a supporting statement (maximum 300 words), explaining your work and how it was obtained/produced.

Judges will be looking for:

• High quality reporting, commentary and presentation which demonstrates an understanding of the target audience and the specialist subject.
• Knowledge of, insight into, and analysis of, the specialist area.
• Strength of interviews.
• Use of a range of multimedia platforms and graphics to enhance and develop the story.
• Stories which provide scrutiny of decisions taken which affect the community (eg Local Democracy Reporters).
• Work which is exclusive.
• Exposés, campaigns and investigative journalism.
• Insight, analysis, or examination of the context of stories.
• Journalism which results in change or which makes an identifiable impact (social, political, corporate, organisational), along with evidence of that change.
• Atmospheric audio (radio).
• Style of writing/delivery.
• Story construction and structure.

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you observe these criteria since failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.

Ed Townsend Student Journalist of the Year
Myfyriwr Newyddiadurwr y Flwyddyn Ed Townsend

The Ed Townsend Student Journalist of the Year Award is named in memory of a much loved and respected Journalists’ Charity committee member who played a pivotal role in re-establishing the Wales Media Awards.

For the three best articles, news stories or single planned series of articles or news stories by a journalist when in full-time education which appeared in print, online or were broadcast between 1 February 2024 and 30 May 2025.

Student outlets such as a student newspaper or channels will be permitted. Any series submitted should not exceed three items.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales, for an audience in Wales.

You must:

• Submit stories which appeared in print as PDFs of the page(s) on which they appeared.
• Provide links for online stories. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Upload radio and TV work to YouTube, and include the links, or provide a link to a website where the work can be viewed or listened to. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Submit only one entry for this category.
• Supply a supporting statement (maximum 300 words), explaining your work and how it was obtained/produced.

Judges will be looking for:

• Evidence of understanding of news and newsgathering techniques.
• Use of language.
• Compelling lead / opening and storytelling.
• Use of a range of multimedia platforms and graphics to enhance and develop the story.
• Good structure and organisation.
• Research and effective use of quotes.
• Accuracy and fairness.
• Strong, interesting or creative angles.

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you observe these criteria since failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.

Young Journalist of the Year
Newyddiadurwr Ifanc y Flwyddyn

To enter this category, you must have been aged 23 or under at the time of publication or broadcast.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales, for an audience in Wales.

You must:

• Submit either three unrelated news stories, or a single planned series of up to a maximum of three news stories on one topic which appeared in print, online or broadcast between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025.
• Submit stories which appeared in print as PDFs of the page(s) on which they appeared.
• Provide links for online stories. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Upload radio and TV work to YouTube, and include the links, or provide a link to a website where the work can be viewed or listened to. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Ensure you enter your date of birth in your online submission where requested.
• Submit only one entry for this category.
• Supply a supporting statement (maximum 300 words), explaining your work and how it was obtained/produced.

Judges will be looking for:

• Evidence of understanding of news and newsgathering techniques.
• Use of language.
• Compelling lead / opening and storytelling.
• Good structure and organisation.
• Research and effective use of quotes.
• Accuracy and fairness.
• Strong, interesting or creative angles.

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you observe these criteria since failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.

Daily/Sunday Newspaper of the Year
Papur Newydd Dyddiol/Sul y Flwyddyn

For the three best non-consecutive issues of a daily or Sunday newspaper published between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales, for an audience in Wales.

You must:

• Submit links to electronic versions of the three papers – hard copies cannot be accepted. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Explain in 300 words why your paper deserves to be Newspaper of the Year.
• Only submit one entry for this category.

Judges will be looking for:

• Range and relevance of content.
• Quality and accuracy of writing.
• Originality of subject matter, execution and angles.
• Reporting rigour – quality of information gathering, depth of research, range of sources.
• Credibility/authority.
• Work which is exclusive.
• Exposés, campaigns and investigative journalism.
• Insight, analysis, or examination of the context of stories.
• Journalism which results in change or which makes an identifiable impact (social, political, corporate, organisational), along with evidence of that change.
• High production and editorial values.

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you observe these criteria since failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.

Weekly Newspaper of the Year
Papur Newydd Wythnosol y Flwyddyn

For the three best non-consecutive issues of a local weekly or bi-weekly newspaper published between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales, for an audience in Wales.

You must:

• Submit links to electronic versions of the three papers – hard copies cannot be accepted. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Explain in 300 words why your paper deserves to be Weekly Newspaper of the Year.
• Only submit one entry for this category.

Judges will be looking for:

• Range and relevance of content.
• Quality and accuracy of writing.
• Originality of subject matter, execution and angles.
• Reporting rigour – quality of information gathering, depth of research, range of sources.
• Credibility/authority.
• Work which is exclusive.
• Exposés, campaigns and investigative journalism.
• Insight, analysis, or examination of the context of stories.
• Journalism which results in change or which makes an identifiable impact (social, political, corporate, organisational), along with evidence of that change.
• High production and editorial values.

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you observe these criteria since failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.

Online News Site of the Year
Safle Newyddion Ar-lein y Flwyddyn

The judges are looking for a site that engages the visitor, demonstrates high quality design relevant to the target audience, provides intuitive navigation and structure, is easy to use (technology works with quick page load times, is free of broken links and works on all browsers), is interactive and provides a wide range of content – including graphics, audio and video.

Entries must relate to sites which were online between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales, for an audience in Wales.

You must:

• Provide links to your website and to any specific stories highlighted in the entry. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Explain in 300 words why your website deserves to be News Website of the Year.
• Only submit one entry for this category.

Judges will be looking for:

• Range and relevance of content.
• Use of graphics, audio and video.
• Quality and accuracy of writing.
• Originality of subject matter, execution and angles.
• Reporting rigour – quality of information gathering, depth of research, range of sources.
• Work which is exclusive.
• Exposés, campaigns and investigative journalism.
• Insight, analysis, or examination of the context of stories.
• Journalism which results in change or which makes an identifiable impact (social, political, corporate, organisational), along with evidence of that change.
• Ease of use and interactivity.
• High production and editorial values.

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you observe these criteria since failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.

Television News and Current Affairs Programme of the Year
Rhaglen Newyddion a Materion Cyfoes Teledu y Flwyddyn

For the best news programme or current affairs programme broadcast between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025 on a Welsh TV station or carried on a website serving a Welsh audience.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales, for an audience in Wales.

Submissions from news programmes should consist of two different items which showcase their best work, up to a maximum of 30 minutes in total. You may only make one entry per programme.

Submissions by current affairs programmes/podcasts should consist of a single edition. If you wish to enter more than one edition, please do so as separate entries.

You must:

• Explain in 300 words why your programme deserves to be TV News & Current Affairs Programme of the Year.
• Upload your submission to YouTube, and include the link, or provide a link to a website where your submission can be viewed. It is a condition of entry that these links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Judges will be looking for:

• Quality, innovation and originality of content.
• Work which is exclusive.
• Exposés, campaigns and investigative journalism.
• Insight, analysis, or examination of the context of stories.
• Journalism which results in change or which makes an identifiable impact (social, political, corporate, organisational), along with evidence of that change.
• Presentation - level of viewer engagement it provides. Does it answer listeners’ questions? Does it challenge?
• Quality of camerawork, editing and script.
• Structure: distillation of complex topics in an understandable and accessible way.
• Newsworthiness and significance.
• Depth and breadth of research.
• Balance and fairness.
• High production and editorial values.

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you observe these criteria since failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.

Audio News and Current Affairs Programme of the Year
Rhaglen Newyddion a Materion Cyfoes Sain y Flwyddyn

For the best news programme or current affairs programme/podcast broadcast between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025 on a Welsh radio station or carried on a website or online platform serving a Welsh audience.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales, for an audience in Wales.

Submissions from news programmes should consist of three different items which showcase their best work, up to a maximum of 30 minutes in total. You may only make one entry per programme.

Submissions by current affairs programmes/podcasts should consist of a single edition. If you wish to enter more than one edition, please do so as separate entries.

You must:

• Explain in 300 words why your programme deserves to be Audio News & Current Affairs Programme of the Year.
• Submit a link to your work so that it may be listened to online. It is a condition of entry that this link must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Judges will be looking for:

• Quality, innovation and originality of content.
• Work which is exclusive.
• Exposés, campaigns and investigative journalism.
• Insight, analysis, or examination of the context of stories.
• Journalism which results in change or which makes an identifiable impact (social, political, corporate, organisational), along with evidence of that change.
• Presentation - level of listener engagement it provides. Does it answer listeners’ questions? Does it challenge?
• Structure: distillation of complex topics in an understandable and accessible way.
• Newsworthiness and significance.
• Depth and breadth of research.
• Balance and fairness.
• High production and editorial values.

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you observe these criteria since failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.

Community Journalism of the Year
Newyddiaduraeth Gymunedol y Flwyddyn

Submissions for this category must be from print, radio, TV or online outlets run by local communities and groups exclusively to provide a service to the community they serve. They must be truly independent and not supported by any large commercial enterprise.

Submitted work must have been produced in Wales, for an audience in Wales.

Publications or outlets must:

• Submit three non-consecutive issues, programmes or editions (print or online) produced between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025.
• Submit their work either as PDFs or weblinks, or links to their website/material. It is a condition of entry that links must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required.  Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Explain in 300 words their approach to covering what goes on in their community.

Individuals must:

• Submit three examples produced between 1 June 2024 and 31st May 2025.
• Submit their work either as PDFs or weblinks, or links to their website/material. It is a condition of entry that this link must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required.  Failure to do so may result in disqualification.
• Explain in 300 words their approach to covering what goes on in their community.

Judges will be looking for:

• Contributions from individuals or community outlets which are independent, ie. not part of a mainstream media organisation or group.
• Stories which provide scrutiny of decisions taken which affect the community.
• Content which provides information about a local community which is of value to its residents and which helps to bring them together.
• Stories that aren’t being told in mainstream media.
• Quality and accuracy of writing.
• Interactivity with the audience.
• For publications and outlets - high production and editorial values, ease of use, and design.

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you observe these criteria since failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.

Podcast of the Year
Podlediad y Flwyddyn

Podcast must show evidence of journalistic effort not just be a chat show. It should have been transmitted in Wales for a Welsh audience between 1st June 2024 and 31st May 2025. If the podcast is part of a series just one episode should be entered which best reflects the tone of the series.

You must:

• Explain in 300 words why your programme deserves to be Podcast of the Year
• Submit a link to your work so that it may be listened to online. It is a condition of entry that this link must be live, and remain live, until the end of February 2026. Please ensure you provide any passwords required. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Judges will be looking for:

• Quality, innovation and originality of content
• Work which is exclusive
• Exposés, campaigns and investigative journalism
• Insight, analysis, or examination of the context of stories
• Journalism which results in change or which makes an identifiable impact (social, political, corporate, organisational), along with evidence of that change
• Presentation - level of listener engagement it provides. Does it answer listeners’ questions? Does it challenge?
• Structure: distillation of complex topics in an understandable and accessible way
• Newsworthiness and significance
• Depth and breadth of research
• Balance and fairness
• High production and editorial values

The organisers reserve the right to mention any entrants to this category and to display any of the work they enter in any publicity and marketing relating to the competition without copyright infringement.

The decision of the judges in this category is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

PLEASE NOTE: It is important that you observe these criteria since failure to do so may result in your entry being disqualified.