More than 30 categories to enter, across writing, broadcast and photography sections; deadline for entries is 15 January 2025, with awards night in London on 24 March 2025; more opportunities for recognition, with 14 new and returning categories; assisted-entry scheme for those from under-represented groups…
Entries are now open for the SJA British Sports Journalism Awards 2024.
The SJA British Sports Journalism Awards celebrate excellence among the country’s sports writers, photographers, broadcasters and editors, whether staff or freelance, working for nationals, regionals, daily or weekly newspapers, as well as specialist sports magazines, news agencies and digital platforms.
There are more than 30 categories to enter across sports writing, broadcasting and photography. The deadline for entries, which must be submitted through our dedicated Awards website, is midnight on Wednesday 15 January 2025.
We are pleased to announce the Awards once again will culminate in a gala ceremony taking place at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on Monday 24 March 2025. Tickets and tables will be available to purchase before the end of the year.
We are pleased to have Canon sponsor our Photography Awards again.
Here are details of developments for the 2024 Awards…
NEW AND RETURNING CATEGORIES
- Breaking News Coverage: For organisations who demonstrated quick action and journalistic excellence to react to a significant breaking story. Entries can be from written and/or broadcast media.
- Content Agency: Spanning writing, broadcasting and/or photography, entries will be from organisations and agencies who are producing original news gathering and first-class content to support outlets.
- Data Journalist: Judges will look at portfolios reflecting data-led sports journalism that provides fresh insight and successfully displays complex information. Entries can be from written and/or broadcast media.
- Newspaper Headline of the Year: A free-to-enter category. Shortlisted headlines will be those that encapsulate a story in the most entertaining and engaging way.
- Popular Culture Commentator: Entries are encouraged from sports writers whose work encapsulates issues in a way that ordinary / lay fans understand, appreciate and identify with.
- Specialist Sports Publisher: For publishers whose journalism focuses on a specific sport, subject or theme, and recognises all aspects of an organisation’s digital performance, including its website and use of social media.
- Sport for Change Journalism: Entries will be portfolios of work focusing on social issues that shine a light on inequality, diversity and inclusion, and environmental challenges. Entries can be from written and/or broadcast media.
- Sports Summariser: Journalists entering this category should be writers and/or broadcasters who regularly disseminate breaking news – often complex – in ways that allow the audience to understand and engage immediately.
- Content Creator: A category in the broadcast section, entrants are invited to submit showreels that demonstrate delivery of consistently engaging, entertaining and informative content.
- Content Creator Exclusive: A free-to-enter category. A specialist panel of judges will assess the impact made by sports exclusives submitted by non-traditional media.
- YouTube Channel / YouTube Newcomer / YouTube Show: Three separate categories that welcome informative and entertaining entries from YouTube broadcasters.
- Olympic and Paralympic Portfolio: Returning in recognition of excellence in sports photography at Paris 2024, entries will consist of 10 images from the Games representing a range of photographic disciplines.
To read full descriptions and criteria for every category across writing, broadcast and photography, download a PDF with all the information here.
DIVERSITY
- The SJA recognises the historical under-representation on the SJA British Sports Journalism Awards shortlists of women journalists; Black journalists; journalists from diverse ethnic communities; and journalists with disabilities. In an effort to address this, entry fees will be waived for journalists from these under-represented groups who do not have an employer willing to underwrite their application.
JUDGING
- The SJA British Sports Journalism Awards are judged by panels of some of the best-known and most experienced figures in the industry. You can see names of those involved with judging in the last edition of the Awards here (scroll down to the section titled ‘Judging’).
Visit the dedicated Awards website for detailed category descriptions, rules, and information on how to enter.
www.BritishSportsJournalismAwards.co.uk
Become a member to get the discount! Members’ fees are £30 per category, non-members £60, and annual membership is £30.
For a reminder of the winners and nominees last time out, click here and watch the video below…
The SJA is interested in your sports media industry news and views. Keen to reach an engaged audience, including over 70,000 followers across social media? We welcome your enquiries – contact us here. We also offer advertising and sponsorship opportunities.
For information on how to apply as a Full or Associate Member of the SJA, plus details of our free-to-enter SJA Academy, click here.