The Wincott Awards, which recognise outstanding achievement in the fields of business, economic and financial journalism, are now open for 2020 submissions. And this year there will be a new award for the very best in UK data journalism – Data Journalism of the Year.
The best data journalism combines a traditional ‘nose for news’ with the ability to tell a compelling and complex story using a range of data analysis and visualisation tools.
Lionel Barber, Wincott chairman, said. “This new prize underlines the importance of fact-based reporting and analysis, but also the wider importance of data in modern journalism. Wincott will be looking for entries which have the “X factor”, a combination of digital skills and basic reporting to illuminate the workings of business, finance or economics.
Wincott’s judges will put a premium on deep, original reporting and depth of understanding. No matter how complex the subject, it should be presented in a way that is intelligible to the lay person while remaining authoritative.
“As in previous years Wincott will also be looking for outstanding, original examples of UK business journalism in print, online, radio, TV and video. We want to hear from all corners of the UK,” said Mr Barber.
A wide range of styles and formats will be considered, from commentary, analytical features and documentaries to original reporting on companies and business issues. Entries of scoops and other exclusives should also broaden understanding of the subject.
The awards are for work completed in 2020. Journalists working in more than one medium are encouraged to demonstrate the full range of their delivery. Individual reporters and commentators can apply, as can teams engaged in a specific story, broadcast or data journalism project.
Print and online entries should consist of up to five examples of work. For video and audio, in the case of a series only one programme may be entered along with a description of the series.
You can enter directly and/or nominate others. If you do the latter, please send us their contact details.
The deadline for entries is Friday February 26 2021.
The seven Wincott Awards for 2020 are:
JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR: to the individual, or team, making the best contribution to financial, business and economic journalism. (Up to £5,000)
VIDEO JOURNALISM OF THE YEAR: awarded to the team or individual producing the best video work, including terrestrial, digital and film. It can be a single programme or a series of programmes. (Up to £5,000)
AUDIO JOURNALISM OF THE YEAR: awarded to the team or individual producing the best audio work, including on-line and podcasts. This can be a single programme or a series of programmes. (Up to £5,000)
DATA JOURNALISM OF THE YEAR: awarded to the team or individual showing the best use of data analysis and visualisation tools to tell a complex story. (Up to £5,000).
PERSONAL FINANCE JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR: to the individual, or team, making the best contribution to reporting, analysis or investigations of personal finance issues. This can be via any media channel. (£1,500)
YOUNG JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR: to the best individual journalist under the age of 30 at the end of 2020, working in any medium. (£1,500)
JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR, UK NATIONS AND REGIONS: to the individual or team in any medium making the best contribution to business journalism in the UK nations and regions. (£2,000)
How to Apply
All entries should be emailed to wincottawards@gmail.com
The subject line should specify the category and the email should state:
• Entrant’s/nominee’s name, or names (maximum of five), and role(s)
• The category that the submission is being entered for
• Name of the publication or channel
• Date(s) of publication or broadcast
• Titles of the articles or programmes (with episode number, if applicable)
• Short synopsis (max 200 words)
• Link to YouTube or Vimeo submission (video/audio category)
• A supporting letter from an editor may be included
It is very important that the judges can easily access the entries. ‘Light’ documents can be attached to the email eg in pdf form. If the submissions are over 1MB, the body of the email must contain attachments in doc or pdf form (text must be copyable) to the full version. Please do not send links to articles that are behind a paywall.
Please upload audio and/or visual entries to Vimeo or Youtube as an unlisted post and ensure that a downloadable copy can be made.
For any further queries regarding print or online entries, please contact secretary@wincott.co.uk
For audio and video, please contact: lidia@dartmouthfilms.com
The awards are organised and funded by The Wincott Foundation, which was set up in 1969 in honour of Harold Wincott, the most distinguished economic journalist of his day. It seeks to contribute to a better understanding of business, economic and financial issues by supporting and encouraging high-quality journalism. The Foundation believes that the media – print, broadcast and on-line – have an important role to play in reporting, explaining and commenting on economic and business developments. Accurate, objective and authoritative journalism is essential to a well-functioning market economy.