THE JEP has once again been shortlisted in the Regional News Media Organisation of the Year category of the prestigious Society of Editors Media Freedom Awards.
It is the fifth time in six years that the newspaper has reached the final, which it won in 2021 – the first time that the 134-year-old title has achieved the top honour.
In 2020, the JEP also won the Magazine of the Year title in what are considered the Oscars of the newspaper industry for its ecoJersey publication.
In the past six years, it has been shortlisted in categories including Front Page of the Year, Features Writer of the Year, Young Reporter of the Year and Environmental Writer of the Year.
This year, the JEP is up against some of the biggest names in regional press. The other shortlisted publications are the Belfast Telegraph, ChronicleLive and The Newcastle Chronicle, Express & Star, Liverpool Echo and The Impartial Reporter.
Dawn Alford, the executive director of the Society of Editors and co-chair of the judges, said that the awards set the benchmark for a celebration of UK public interest and campaigning journalism, and shone a light on the crucial role that the UK news-media industry played in promoting media freedom, championing the public’s right to know and holding power to account.
“Once again, we have been astounded by the exceptional standard of entries for this year’s Media Freedom Awards and the tenacity, intelligence and bravery of our colleagues across broadcast, national, regional and online platforms,” she added.
JEP editor Andy Sibcy said: “At a time when I fear that local journalism – which is so essential for keeping communities informed, amplifying voices to hold power to account and championing positive change – is seriously undervalued, these awards serve as an important reminder of the crucial work that newsrooms across Britain do as part of a free, questioning and democratic society.
“Being shortlisted again is also important recognition of the hard work and dedication of many Island journalists in the finest tradition of the fourth estate. The JEP is indebted to so many people who contribute to the newspaper every day as columnists, essay writers, specialist writers sharing their expertise on everything from the environment, sport and gardening to charities, history and heritage, wellbeing and the law. The JEP is so much stronger when more people have a sense of ownership over their newspaper.
“A huge thank-you to everyone, in and outside of the newsroom and All Island Media boardroom, who enables us to do what we do – including you, the people who buy the paper, and those who advertise with us. We could not do it without you. The JEP and its sister publication, the Bailiwick Express, are part of the fabric of the community, connecting people, keeping a watchful eye on those in positions of authority, informing important debate on matters of public interest and hopefully occasionally putting a smile on your face. We have plenty to celebrate as an island.”
He added that this year the Society of Editors wanted to see evidence of fighting for media freedoms, campaigning, holding power to account, investigations and supporting communities. The JEP’s submissions highlighted the many successful challenges the newspaper has made this year to attempts to gag the media from reporting court proceedings, its investigation into the toxic waste mountains at La Collette and the government breaking its own rules, exposing the scandal in the Hospital’s radiology department and a loophole in legislation which meant strong vapes banned in the UK were being used in Jersey by children. We also exposed long waits for treatment and medicine, and medication shortages, in a week-long investigation into ADHD.
The submission emphasised, Mr Sibcy said, the many ways – from the Pride of Jersey Awards to sharing the amazing writing of Simon Boas which has touched so many people’s lives around the world – that the newspaper provided the glue that binds the community together.
The winners will be announced at the Underglobe in London on Tuesday 12 November.
