AWARDS CEREMONY 19 MAY 2015 1
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
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THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM Thoughts from the judges Ian Kirby Peter Campbell Tami Hoffman 30 TO WATCH AWARDS MAY 2015 Our award winners
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PROFILES OF THE 5 GOLD WINNERS
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CAMPAIGNING JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
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OUR PREVIOUS WINNERS 2014 13 2013 14 2012 15
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INTRODUCTION Gavin Devine
The fourth annual 30 To Watch at BAFTA on 19 May 2015 was a fantastic event. As usual it really was a privilege to be part of an evening which shines a spotlight on the very best young journalists. MHP created these awards because we feel strongly that journalism is important, and because we think there are far too few champions of the media in the UK. In our view, at a time when the sector faces growing financial pressures, and occasional political and public criticism, the need to recognise the contribution made by high quality journalism is greater than ever. The way MHP 30 To Watch works is that we first ask our 160-strong team in London to nominate those young journalists they deal with day-in-dayout who go above and beyond in their coverage, editorial or production work. From that we drew up a longlist of 100, all of whom were invited to BAFTA and all of whom are delivering excellent work they should be proud to celebrate.
To put it simply, they are the ones breaking stories others are rushing to follow. Finally we brought together our judges to draw up the Gold Award winners. This year our judging panel included three former 30 To Watch winners: Emily Ashton (Buzzfeed); Peter Campbell (Daily Mail); and Sophy Ridge (Sky News). They, together with Ian and myself, were also joined by Brian Groom (Financial Times) and Tami Hoffman (Sky News). I’d like to thank all of our judges for their wisdom and their strong support for 30 To Watch. In this document we set out some thoughts from our judges, as well as listing and celebrating all of our winners. I want to thank all of the longlisted journalists for the contribution they make, which as I’ve said is truly important. They keep us on our toes!
That longlist was then considered by our judging panel, chaired by Ian Kirby, formerly the Political Editor of the News of the World and now Head of Media at MHP. This process led to the MHP 30 To Watch. We define the 30 To Watch as those journalists making an exceptional impact in their sector or in their area of expertise, using innovative methods to cover the news agenda, or who, at a very early stage in their career, are already contributing significantly to reporting issues of public interest.
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THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM Making news, but not in newspapers Ian Kirby, MHP As a young journalist, you are judged by results – finding good stories and innovative ways to get them to the widest possible audience are vital as you build a successful career.
In communications we advise clients that effective campaigns need to work on lots of different levels, reaching the audiences they need through the particular media they consume.
In the 20 years I have been working as a journalist or in communications, becoming a specialist reporter on a national newspaper has been the traditional sign that you have “made it”. Careers traditionally started on regional newspapers before the siren call of “Fleet Street”.
To gain traction, a good story now needs to have the impact to make a splash in a national newspaper, a viral element that will spread online through social media, video content to seed online and attract television interest and strong “asks” to take to stakeholders.
No longer. A quick glance at the impressive CVs of those on the MHP 30 under 30 shortlist shows many have already gone far beyond that. Not content with obtaining senior jobs in national news organisations, they are making television documentaries, writing novels and film scripts, running successful social media channels and powerful campaigns. Many are doing a lot of these at the same time. As the number of jobs on national and regional newspapers continue to fall at a rapid rate, successful reporters are building careers where it is essential not simply to be multi-skilled but also to make your work available on as many platforms as possible. Witness the recent high profile hacking trials in London and Edinburgh – covered by crowd-funded freelance journalists who live tweeted the court case, then turned those tweets into blog reports, books and, in one case, a Hollywoodfunded film deal.
These journalists have all, to varying degrees, already grasped this and are doing it every day. Few of their contemporaries pop in to a newsagent and buy a paper. But they are addicted to news – most of it consumed online via their phones. So this is not just a question of innovation, but of necessity. The most recent Meeker Report revealed that two thirds of internet traffic across the world is now video content. Increasingly, a story won’t run unless it can be viewed on a phone. The decline in traditional media may seem depressing to some, but it is proving to be an enormous opportunity for many, especially our 30 Under 30 winners. Take a look at the stories they have broken and you’ll see that the heart of good journalism – cracking stories – are to be found in abundance.
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THE FUTURE OF JOURNALISM Young journalists are told to have thick skins and unquenchable enthusiasm, but they still need praise Peter Campbell, Daily Mail Rock star, actor and footballer: these jobs typically top the list when children dream of their future careers. Journalist rarely makes the cut. Yet every year thousands of young people desperately struggle to wangle their way into an industry that consistently ranks lower for job satisfaction than rubbish collection. They beg for work experience, toil unpaid and travel all over the country in the hope of getting a foot in the door, and eventually of becoming someone less trusted than your average estate agent. Breaking into journalism is fiendishly difficult, even though some national papers, including the Daily Mail, and a handful of regional ones, offer graduate schemes. Anyone who successfully makes it into the industry has already scored a serious victory. And even once you’re in, it’s tough. In my first year as a Daily Mail trainee, first in Manchester and then in Scotland, I worried perpetually that I was not up to scratch. Young reporters are told to have thick skins and unquenchable enthusiasm. I remember being told on my first day in the job that having the right mindset is just as important as writing flair.
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Of course, finding a great story, even though it may mean sitting for hours in court, trudging round a council estate in the pouring rain or sifting through corporate documents, is intensely satisfying.
But does anyone notice – other than your mother, who promptly buys six copies? Praise can be in short supply in newsrooms. And the old adage about today’s newspapers being tomorrow’s chip papers is often true, as I once discovered in a pub in Chichester where I was served battered cod encased in my own article on Rupert Murdoch’s succession plans. That’s why MHP’s annual awards are so important, both for the industry and for the scores of young hacks they encourage and bolster. Scooping a 30 To Watch gong may be the first time anyone has publicly congratulated the winners for their hours of slog. To have a group of peers, experienced journalists and industry veterans look at and rate your work is both encouraging and a tremendous accolade. When my name was read out two years ago I was chuffed beyond words. And I am also delighted this year to have helped judge the awards. Many congratulations to all of the winners. Keep on writing, breaking and delivering stories. You give our great industry fresh blood, and every one of you deserves to be immensely proud.
Pity Your Boss Tami Hoffman, Sky If there is one thing that news organisations are looking for in young recruits, it is answers. Answers to the questions preoccupying every editor – how to adapt to a digital environment, and how to make some money along the way. “ It’s not enough anymore to give them just news. They want comics, contests, puzzles. They want to know how to bake a cake and how to win friends and influence people… And if they accidentally stumble on the front page – News.” Prophetic words about the decline of traditional print journalism uttered not by Rushbridger, Barber or Witherow, but by Humphrey Bogart in the 1952 film ‘Deadline USA’. It would be harsh to blame him for not realising that ‘they’ would also want funny videos of cats and lots and lots of lists.
It’s never been so easy for a news organisation to monitor who their readers like reading. Daily analytics can provide a detailed breakdown of views and click throughs. Your boss can see just how many eyeballs your stories reach – and if he or she isn’t checking – then you certainly should. The upside to having nowhere to hide is that quality can shine through regardless of age or seniority. Now is the time for smart young writers to flaunt their native skills in the digital environment. If you are able to network your specialism, leverage your online profile, be aware of what tweets work and why, and create thumbnails that impact like a billboard – then you can become the holy grail for which every newsroom is searching. Here’s looking at you kid.
But if the subject matter has stayed largely unchanged since black and white pictures, the mode of delivery and the necessary skill set has moved in light years. The days when a hack need worry only about the story and their copy have gone the same way as the boozy lunch. To make it in a modern newsroom you need so much more than a flair for words. Journalists are mutating into producers. A nose for a story is worthless without the technical skills to deliver it, the advertising flair to find an audience and the PR nouse to build your brand on social media.
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OUR AWARD WINNERS
30 to watch awards May 2015 Gold Award Winners
Annabelle Dixon
John Stevens
Oliver Smith
Radhika Sanghani
Vincent Mcaviney
Political Editor Eastern Daily Press
Political Reporter Daily Mail
Senior Reporter The Memo
Writer for Telegraph Wonder Women Daily Telegraph
ITV News at Ten Producer ITV
Niamh Anderson
Chris Berkin
Daniel Binns
Ellie Broughton
Features Writer The Sun on Sunday
Senior Reporter Estates Gazette
Reporter Metro UK
Features Editor Pulse
Marion Dakers
Neela Debnath
George Eaton
Natalie Edwards
Financial Services Editor Daily Telegraph
Blogs Editor The Independent
Political Editor New Statesman
Biz on Sunday Co-Editor The Sun on Sunday
Reni EddopLodge
Hannah EllisPetersen
Matthieu Favas
Alex Hern
Martin Jeffries
Miles Johnson
Social Media Producer Sky Digital
Hedge Fund Correspondent Financial Times
25 Winners
Paris Lees Columnist VICE Young Campaigning Journalist of the Year
Culture Reporter The Guardian
Dave Lee
Reporter Infrastructure Investor
Technology Reporter The Guardian
Freelance
Georgina Leggate
Costas Pitas
Alix Robertson
Harriet Russell
Senior Planning Producer Good Morning Britain
Correspondent Reuters
Staff Writer Funds Europe
Companies Writer Investors Chronicle
Kadhim Shubber
Pandora Sykes
Jennifer Williams
Robyn Wilson
Victoria Woollaston
Graduate Trainee Financial Times
Fashion Features Editor The Sunday Times Style Magazine
News Reporter Manchester Evening News
Property Correspondent Construction News
UK Deputy Science Editor Daily Mail
Technology Journalist BBC News
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PROFILES OF THE 5 GOLD WINNERS
Annabelle Dixon Political Editor Eastern Daily Press
Annabelle became the Political Editor at the Eastern Daily Press in March 2013, having worked as a City reporter for the Press Association from 2012. Annabelle won this 30 To Watch Gold Award for her important role in representing the interests of regional journalists and the local media in the Westminster Lobby. The judges unanimously felt that Annabelle has achieved a great deal in making the case that regional journalists should continue to have great access to politicians. At a time when regionals continue to be under-represented and sometimes overlooked he achievements in this tough but incredibly important beat is something Annabelle should be recognised for.
John Stevens
Oliver Smith
Political Reporter Daily Mail
Senior Reporter The Memo
John has worked as a political reporter for the Daily Mail since May 2014. He has already built a brilliant reputation right across the political media, thanks to his ability to reel in story after story from everyone and from everywhere.
Oliver started his career in London working for City Am in 2013. He has most recently moved to new tech-dedicated publication, The Memo, as Senior Reporter.
He is well-plugged in across all of the parties, allowing him to gain key, new insights into the goings-on at Westminster which he reports across ‘traditional’ and digital media. John gained particular plaudits for his coverage of the Scottish Referendum, a story one judge of our judges said succinctly that “John owned”. When we told one of his more senior colleagues about John’s MHP 30 To Watch Gold Award win he said very simply: “John is one of the most exceptional young journalists I have ever worked with.”
Our panel felt that Oliver has a knowledge of the tech world, and a skill in telling often complicated stories, that rivals many of the UK’s top national journalists in this sector. He made a name for himself quickly during his time at City AM, and has become renowned for reporting the stories first. He thoroughly deserves the recognition of a 30 To Watch Gold Award, and as judges we look forward to the success of The Memo.
Radhika Sanghani
Vincent Mcaviney
Writer for Telegraph Wonder Women Daily Telegraph
ITV News at Ten Producer ITV
Radhika joined the Telegraph as a graduate trainee in 2013, becoming a writer for Telegraph Wonder Women in 2014. She now covers a huge range of topical and thought provoking issues for the paper.
Vincent joined ITV as a producer for ITV News at Ten in 2014. He was already an in-demand producer, having previously worked at Sky News as a Political Producer and Weekend Political News Editor, and at BBC News as Live Political Programming Producer.
We gave Radhika a 30 To Watch Gold Award for her insightful, opinionated and wellresearched stories, and because she is quickly becoming a sought-after voice on women’s issues, earning herself a spot on radio and television as a leading voice in the area. Radhika likes to keep busy! On top of her burgeoning media career she is also the author of millennial comedy Virgin and is currently writing the sequel. All of which is deeply impressive for a 25 year old.
Vincent has won an MHP 30 To Watch Gold Award for his home and foreign field producing for ITV’s flagship News at Ten programme. He is widely acknowledged to be an incredibly tenacious reporter, who works incredibly hard to bring the very best and most important stories to our screens.
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CAMPAIGNING JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Paris Lees Columnist for VICE UK and editor-at large of Attitude We are delighted to give Paris Lees MHP Communications’ Gold Award for Campaigning Journalist of the Year, not only to recognize the huge strides she has made in campaigning for trans people, but also to celebrate the huge breadth of her journalistic achievements. Journalism is already a tough industry to crack, but it is harder still to campaign for an issue that is still relatively untouched upon in the mainstream media. Through gritty determination and forceful journalism however, Paris has already made a huge impact across the entire media landscape. From starting her career writing for the LGBT press, and founding META, a digital magazine for trans people, Paris is now a columnist at VICE and the Editor att Large for Attitude Magazine. But Paris has now also cracked the
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mainstream media too. As well as writing for the Guardian, Independent and Telegraph, Paris was also the first trans presenter on both Radio 1 and Channel 4. Such journalistic achievements, right across the industry, have meant that Paris has now become a leading voice on the topic; she has spoken at numerous events, from Oxford University to Question Time to Amnesty International and even challenged Jonathan Ross over a transgender joke he made, charming him into giving a video interview. It is this combination of dynamic journalism and determined campaigning, both in and out of the papers, which means that Paris is certainly one to watch.
OUR PREVIOUS WINNERS 2014
Gold Award Winners Memphis Barker Reporter Independent/i
Neil Maidment Breaking Company News Reporter Reuters
Lily Russo Shopping Editor Grazia
Nick Stylianou Producer Sky News
Jim Waterson Political Editor Buzfeed UK
Gemma Aldridge Features Reporter Sunday Mirror
Joanna Bourke News reporter Estates Gazette
Thomas Bridge Deputy Editor Local Government News
Rebecca Clancy Online Business Reporter Daily Telegraph
Chloe Culpan Freelance news and sports journalist Sky News Radio
Tom Edwards Online reporter The Sun
Boudicca Fox-Leonard Assistant Features editor Daily Mirror
Jenny Francis Sun Woman writer The Sun
Kate Hodge Senior Content Coordinator Guardian Professional Networks
Kat Lay Freelance journalist The People
James Leyfield Showbiz reporter Bang Showbiz
Ajay Makan Oil and gas correspondent Financial Times
Jenny Manning TV reporter The Sun
Lara O’Reilly News reporter Marketing Week
Lizzie Pook Features writer STYLIST
Darragh Riordan Reporter Real Deals
James Robertson Senior Showbiz reporter Mirror Online
Duncan Robinson Reporter (companies desk) Financial Times
Samira Shackle Freelance
Chris Smyth Health Correspondent The Times
Tommy Stubbington Reporter Dow Jones Newswires, The Wall Street Journal (Europe Edition)
Sarah Tooze Senior Features writer Fleet News
Rhiannon Williams Editorial trainee, recently promoted to Tech reporter Daily Telegraph
Jessica Winch Personal Finance reporter Daily Telegraph
Saranne Woodcroft Fashion assistant Vogue UK
25 Winners
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OUR PREVIOUS WINNERS 2013
Gold Award Winners Emily Ashton Whitehall Correspondent The Sun
Peter Campbell City Reporter Daily Mail
Isabel Hardman Editor, Coffee House The Spectator
Tom Rayner Middle East News Editor Sky News
Jon Swaine Washington Correspondent Daily Telegraph
James Ball Investigations team The Guardian
Sophie Borland Health Correspondent Daily Mail
Michael Bow Reporter City AM
Susannah Butter Feature writer Evening Standard
Tina Campanella Freelance
Robert Cookson Digital Media Correspondent FT
Andrew Dagnell Daybreak, Senior Producer ITV
Rachel Dalton News Editor Professional Pensions
Anjuli Davies M&A Correspondent Reuters
Dan Dunkley Features Editor Private Equity News
Adam Gabbatt US Correspondent The Guardian
Emily Gosden Energy & Utilities Reporter Daily Telegraph
Ben Griffiths Reporter Sunday Mirror
Josh Halliday Media & Technology Reporter The Guardian
Kathryn Hopkins Economics Correspondent The Times
Dan Hyde Personal Finance Correspondent Daily Mail
John Kenchington Editor Investment Adviser
David Keohane Reporter FT Alphaville
Hannah Kuchler UK News Reporter FT
Ben Martin Markets Reporter Daily Telegraph
Simon Murphy Reporter Daily Mail
Juliet Samuel Business Reporter The Times
Chris Spillane Real Estate Reporter Bloomberg
Michael Stothard Capital Markets Correspondent FT
25 Winners Kaya Burgess Reporter The Times Young Campaigning Journalist of the Year
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OUR PREVIOUS WINNERS 2012
Gold Award Winners Lucy Tobin City Correspondent Evening Standard
Patrick Kingsley Features Writer Guardian
Sophy Ridge Political Correspondent Sky News
Billy Kenber Reporter The Times
Daniel Knowles Blogger Daily Telegraph
Harry Cole News Editor Guido Fawkes
Kiran Stacey Political Correspondent FT
Amber Elliott Political Editor Total Politics
Matthew Holehouse Reporter Daily Telegraph
Laura Pitel Reporter The Times
Joshi Herrmann Reporter Evening Standard
Rowena Mason Political Correspondent Daily Telegraph
Masa Serdarevic Investment Correspondent FT
Rob Davies City Reporter Daily Mail
Kate Walsh Retail Reporter Sunday Times
Simon Neville City Reporter Daily Mail
Oliver Shah Business Reporter Sunday Times
Graham Ruddick Property & Industry Correspondent Daily Telegraph
Peter Stiff Business Reporter The Times
Emma Wall Personal Finance Reporter Daily Telegraph
Jennifer Thompson Companies/ Retail Reporter FT
Alexandra Stevenson Emerging Markets Reporter FT
Ed Hammond Property Correspondent FT
Toby Green Markets Reporter The Independent
Matt Sandy Reporter Daily Mail
Alex Ralph Reporter The Times
Michael Savage Political Correspondent The Times
Amy Williams Editor Citywire
Jack Sidders Reporter Construction News
Sam Jones Hedge Fund Correspondent FT
25 Winners
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