Next generation’s rising stars to be recognised.
Birmingham Press Club is to launch a major new awards scheme to recognise the talent of the next generation of journalists, photographers and broadcasters in the Midlands.
Leading academic establishments in the region are backing the initiative, which is scheduled to take place next Spring as part of the Press Club’s 150th anniversary celebrations.
Press Club chairman Ed James said: “For well over a decade, the Midlands Media Awards has been an important part of the Club’s calendar, acknowledging the achievements of top journalists, broadcasters and photographers. Now we are pleased to be able to highlight the exciting blend of new talent that is emerging from journalism and media courses – talent that augurs well for the future of regional journalism.”
He added: “A spin-off from the Midlands Media Awards, now in their 14th year, the Student Awards will recognise the progress and achievements of next-generation media stars developing their skills via the fantastic range of journalism courses now being offered by universities and colleges in the region.
“In the past, a Students and Newcomers category has always featured as part of the Midlands Media Awards. However, the time is now right for the Press Club to take a further step forward and create a special “Oscars” event for the legions of talent now beginning to make their presence felt in what is becoming an increasingly diverse industry.
“My sincere thanks go to universities and colleges in the Midlands for supporting our Awards – and may I also say ‘good luck’ to everyone who takes part.”
Entries for twelve categories, encompassing topics such as business, sport, entertainment, fashion, lifestyle and technology, are now open. Judging will be completed by early February. Full details of the Awards, which are being organised by Cloud 9 Events Management on behalf of the Press Club, are available by logging onto www.midlandsmediaawards.co.uk
The inaugural Midlands Media Student Awards will take place in Birmingham next March. Meanwhile, plans are also going ahead for next year’s Midlands Media Awards, entries for which open in the New Year.