The Chartered Institute of Public Relations Northern Ireland (CIPR NI) has today (19th October) announced that the Northern Ireland Media Awards will return in 2024 in partnership with Ulster Bank.
After a seven-year hiatus, the awards will return to Belfast’s Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) on Friday 9th February, honouring a host of journalists, presenters, and media outlets across a range of 24 categories.
The awards will be sponsored by Ulster Bank Northern Ireland who hosted members of the CIPR and the local media sector at a special launch event in the bank’s Donegall Square East headquarters earlier this afternoon.
Introducing the event, Regional Board Engagement Manager, Gillian McCandless, said it was a great opportunity for Ulster Bank to support the local media industry in what was an exciting time for the sector.
“We are really pleased to join forces with the CIPR NI committee to support the return of these awards. A vibrant, thriving media sector benefits all sections of society and as a purpose-led bank, it’s important that we have the platforms and outlets we need to communicate with our customers and peers.
“Local media has been going through a period of evolution and this is something we can relate to within our own industry so I hope we can learn from each other and forge closer relationships as we move through this process.”
Current CIPR NI Chair, Brittany Breslin, also addressed the room and gave an overview of what media can expect from these awards.
“The Northern Ireland Media Awards have traditionally been an opportunity for PR professionals to shine a light on local journalistic excellence, acknowledging their dedication to delivering carefully researched, expertly reported, and accurate news. In a time of clickbait, misinformation and division in our society, the role that professional journalists have to play is more valuable than ever.
“Over recent months we have engaged across the media and CIPR membership in Northern Ireland to gauge feedback on the proposed format, categories, and approach to judging. We are confident that the awards will represent media today and that all media feel included in the categories put forward and in process.
“We have been delighted with the enthusiastic response we received from editors across print, broadcast and online media, and hope to see a good volume of entries being received.”
In total, awards will be presented across 24 categories including Media Outlet of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Journalist of the Year and Piece of Journalism of the year. Over the coming weeks, the CIPR committee will publish more information about the entry process and judges and expects to announce the shortlist in early 2024. As a gesture of goodwill to welcome the return of the awards, there will be no entry fee for award submissions.
Keep an eye on CIPR NI social media channels for further information or visit the CIPR NI website to download an initial entry form.