The Royal Television Society (RTS), Britain’s leading forum for television and related media, has launched a new category for this year’s Television Journalism Awards. The Independent Award will recognise the best news coverage created by an independent producer or freelancer for broadcast on TV or online.
This new award recognises the emergence and development of news and current affairs production which is wholly independent of broadcasters. Of the 17 categories it is the only one that can be entered directly by independent production companies.
The Television Journalism Awards seek to reward creative and excellent journalism in UK news and current affairs, both by organisations broadcasting in the UK and by companies which supply UK news broadcasters.
The awards are judged by the RTS News and Current Affairs Committee, a panel of jurors from inside and outside broadcast journalism. It is chaired by Nick Pollard, Chief Executive of SSVC and former Head of Sky News.
Nick Pollard, Chair of The RTS Television Journalism Awards, says: “I’m delighted to announce the addition of the Independent Award this year. It allows us to recognise the delivery of outstanding news coverage by independent producers and freelancers and acknowledges the important role that they play.”
All entries must have been first transmitted in the UK between 16 November 2008 and 15 November 2009. The fee per entry is £293.25 (Inc. VAT). The closing date for entries is Friday 27 November 2009. The Awards ceremony will be held on Wednesday 24 February 2010 at the London Hilton, Park Lane.
For more details on categories or to download an entry form, please visit www.rts.org.uk or call +44 (0) 20 7822 2823.
The award categories:
News Awards:
- News Coverage: Home - the best coverage of a major news story in the UK.
- News Coverage: International - the best coverage of a major news story outside the UK.
- News Programme of the Year - for the programme that has consistently demonstrated journalistic excellence throughout the year.
- News Channel of the Year - for the news channel which has best reported the events of the year.
Current Affairs:
- Current Affairs: Home - for the best piece of current affairs journalism shot in the UK.
- Current Affairs: International - for the best piece of current affairs journalism shot outside the UK.
Nations and Regions Awards:
- Nations and Regions News Coverage Award - for the best coverage of a news story by a regional news team.
- Nations and Regions Current Affairs Award - for the best piece of current affairs journalism commissioned, made and first transmitted in a region.
Other Awards:
Scoop of the Year - recognises exclusive, original journalism in either news or current affairs by a broadcaster or agency.
Innovative News - for the most impressive achievement by an individual or team in addressing a news audience in an original way.
Specialist Journalist - for the individual who produces the best coverage of a specialised area over the year.
Young Journalist of the Year - for the best work during the year by an on or off-screen journalist under the age of 30.
Television Journalist of the Year - for the best work during the year by an on-screen television journalist.
Camera Operator of the Year - for the best work by a camera operator in news or current affairs during the year.
Presenter of the Year - for the best news or current affairs presenter.
The Independent Award - the best news coverage by an independent producer or freelancer. The material must have been shown in video form on either a television channel or website.