Daily Mail columnist to chair media awards judging panel

National writer will head region’s top media event.

One of Britain’s top newspaper writers is to be chairman of the judging panel at this year’s Midlands Media Awards – organised by Birmingham Press Club to acknowledge the achievements of the region’s journalists, broadcasters and photographers.

Andrew Pierce, who spent part of his early career on the Birmingham Evening Mail, is a columnist and Consultant Editor on the Daily Mail, which he joined in 2009. He is also a former assistant editor of the Daily Telegraph and The Times.

Andrew, who has chaired the panel on two previous occasions, said: “Having started my career in the Midlands, it is always a pleasure to return to the region, which has always been a ‘hotbed’ for news and a breeding ground for producing journalists of the highest calibre.”

In addition to his regular columns in the Daily Mail, Andrew is well-known for his highly popular double act with the Daily Mirror’s Kevin Maguire, reviewing, previewing and dissecting the media and politics on Sky News.

Press Club president Bob Warman announced Andrew’s decision to act as chairman of the judging panel at an Editors’ Lunch, held at Simpson’s Restaurant, Edgbaston, to officially launch this year’s media awards, which are being sponsored by HSBC.

Bob said: “Andrew has been a staunch supporter of the Press Club over a number of years and we are delighted he is able to contribute to the success of the awards once again.”

The awards, now in their sixteenth year, are to be held on 2nd November at Canalside, the waters-edge venue located within The Cube, one of Birmingham’s iconic landmark buildings. This year, seven of the sixteen categories are also open to media students who are on recognised courses at universities and colleges in the region.

Entries will initially be scrutinised by a panel of professionals who will then submit a shortlist to the final judging panel. Details on how to enter the awards are on www.midlandsmediaawards.co.uk

Ticket prices for the event are £80 (including VAT) for individuals, while tables of ten are available at £750 (including VAT). For further information regarding the awards, sponsorship opportunities and tickets contact Lotty Harper on 07815 831 554 or email [email protected]