The Midlands Media Awards – a hotly-contested “Oscars” ceremony, which annually recognises the achievements of the region’s leading journalists and broadcasters – is this year to take place at The Holte Suite, Aston Villa FC’s prestigious hospitality centre.

The event, which is being sponsored by Birmingham Airport, will be held on Thursday, June 13.

Dianne Elsworth, Business Development Manager with Aston Villa’s Hospitality and Events Department said:  “Since undergoing a complete transformation in 2009, The Holte Suite has deservedly earned itself a reputation as a premier location for prestigious dinners, award ceremonies and business events. We are delighted to be hosting Birmingham Press Club – and staging one of the biggest events in the West Midlands media and communications industry calendar.”

Now in their 12^th year, the Awards (www.mma2013.co.uk) celebrate the achievements of journalists and photographers working within the region’s newspapers, magazines, digital platforms, television and radio. More than 20 categories are being contested, including, for the first time, Blogger of the Year and Best News Website. Another innovation is Public Choice, which asks members of the public to vote via Twitter and Facebook for their favourite source of news.

Ed James, Heart FM breakfast presenter, who is Chairman of Birmingham Press Club – the oldest in the world – said: “Those who work in the media today know just how rapidly the industry is changing – and that’s why we have paid due regard to the developing digital age in this year’s Awards.”

Paul Kehoe, CEO of Birmingham Airport, said that the awards programme had gone from strength to strength since its inception and provided an ideal platform to showcase the undoubted talents of those who worked in regional media.

Paula Kelsey, managing director of Cloud 9, the event management company, which is organising the awards on behalf of Birmingham Press Club, said that a short-list of nominations would be announced on Monday, May 13.

• Companies seeking sponsorship opportunities, or anyone requiring further information about the awards evening, should contact Paula Kelsey by telephoning 0115 841 9699 or by e-mailing [email protected]

• Tickets are £75 each, plus VAT, or £675, plus VAT, for a table of ten.