The Orwell Society/NUJ Young Journalist’s Award 2023

Results of The Orwell Society and NUJ’s Young Journalist’s Award 2023

Following the decision of the judging panel the Chair, Dr Jaron Murphy of Bournemouth University, has made the following statement:

“The stature of this award among up-and-coming young journalists in the UK has been underscored by the record number of entries received this year – up 225% on last year, following an increase last year of 100% on the previous year. In general, the standard of entries was markedly higher this year. The range and quality of topic choices, evidence-based research approaches, writing styles and critical reflections on Orwell’s influence meant the judges agonised at times over their decision-making during the shortlisting process and the decisive deliberations of the final round.
“Fine margins ultimately differentiated the winners, runners-up and highly commended who can all be proud of their achievements on journalistic merit. The top entries and the general high standard of entries confirm there is no shortage of talent. The future of journalism in the UK is looking up if student and young working journalists can be given opportunities to tackle the complex subjects they care about and express themselves in their own developing and unique style.”

Ann Kronbergs, Education Trustee for the Orwell Society, also comments:

“The significant increase in entries for this year’s OS/NUJ Young Journalist’s Award faced our judging panel with a tough challenge. This excellent list of winners, runners-up and highly commended entries is evidence of how this award, and the writing of George Orwell, has inspired young journalists to produce their best work. We are proud to publish the two winning entries here on the Society’s website.”

Column Category
Winner:
Yesterday’s Past, Tomorrow’s Future
Gwenno Robinson, Undergraduate of Pembroke College, University of Cambridge

Runner-up :
Never look society in the mouth: What can the dental health of the British people tell us about class and culture in 2023?
Kathryn Wheeler, Graduate of Keele University, Features Editor, Happiful

Highly Commended:
Globalisation has made British football the best in the world. It is now in danger of destroying it.
Fergal Jeffreys, Undergraduate of University of Cambridge.

Highly Commended: Saturday Morning in Bexleyheath (OS_NUJ_YJA_2023_52BC)
Freya Graham, M.A. Graduate of City University, London; freelance Journalist

Review Category
Winner:
Women Talking: The blurred lines of forgiveness and revenge
Joshua Korber Hoffman, Post-Graduate of Corpus Christi College, University of Cambridge

Runner-up:
‘From The Margins’: Benjamin Myers’ The Gallows Pole and Historical Fiction
Thomas Gilhooly, Undergraduate of University of Cambridge

The judging panel consisted of: