Support to enter press awards
Women in Journalism Scotland are encouraging amazing women journalists to enter the Scottish Press Awards to redress the gender balance
In 2017, there were 64 men shortlisted for awards at the Scottish Newspaper Society’s Scottish Press Awards, and just 18 women. In 2018, 56 men were shortlisted compared to 18 women. In 2019, there were 64 men to 18 women.
Things are not getting better.
NB. These figures do not include the Nicola Barry award which was set up in 2018 and is only open to women journalists.
At Women in Journalism Scotland we know of hundreds of talented women journalists right across Scotland who should be recognised for the high quality of work they produce, but who don’t put themselves forward for these types of awards.
The period following Christmas and New Year can be a financial struggle for many. We want to help to remove barriers for women who might be put off nominating themselves because of the entrance fee, and are offering to cover the cost of ten women entries into any categories other than the Nicola Barry award.
To enter the lottery for having your fees covered by Women in Journalism Scotland, email wijscotland@gmail.com.
We’ll let the winners know on 11 January.
We are too often our own worst critics and often reticent to put ourselves forward thinking that our work isn’t ‘good enough’. But it’s vital that women enter these awards to redress the balance, recognise the incredible women in journalism of Scotland and to inspire young women to become journalists, changing the male-dominate nature of the industry.
That’s why we’re also asking people to nudge women journalists to enter using the following template tweet:
I think @XXX should win the YYY category at the Scottish Press Awards for her work: ZZZ
#WIJS2win
We can also provide support. If you’re considering entering but not sure which of your articles to submit, get in touch and we’ll happily provide a sounding board.
For full information on the awards and how to enter, visit the Scottish Newspaper Society website.
The categories available for individuals to enter are:
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHER of the Year Winner and Runner Up
NEWS PHOTOGRAPHER of the Year
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT JOURNALIST of the Year
YOUNG JOURNALIST of the Year
INTERVIEWER of the Year
Political Journalist of the Year
Columnist of the Year
LOCAL/WEEKLY SPORTS WRITER of the Year
SPORTS COLUMNIST of the Year
Sports Feature Writer of the Year
Sports News Writer of the Year
Financial/Business Journalist of the Year
LOCAL/WEEKLY FEATURE WRITER of the Year
Feature Writer of the Year
PODCAST of the Year
VIDEO of the Year
Scoop of the Year
LOCAL/WEEKLY REPORTER
Reporter of the Year