Meath Chronicle is nominated for seven Local Ireland Media Awards
The Meath Chronicle has been shortlisted for seven Local Ireland Media Awards
This will be the 11th year of the awards and the ninth to be sponsored by the National Lottery. The awards are also supported by the media commission, Coimisiún na Meán.
News reporter Ann Casey is nominated in the Best News Story, category); Photographer Davy Mullen is nominated through Best Use of Photography for his coverage of the the funeral of Lord Henry Mountcharles' funeral); Paul Hopkins is once again nominated for Best Columnist.
The Chronicle newsroom is nominated for Best Headline (HAP Hazard, a story about the serious problems people facing trying to secure accommodation under the Housing Assistance Payment scheme.
The new and coveted Best Political Coverage category also sees the Meath Chronicle newroom shortlisted for coverage which included Meath TDs centrestage Government formation talks and speaking rights rows.
The Local Ireland Media awards also recognised the commercial success and achievements of the Meath Chronicle, with the Advertising team shortlisted for Local Advertisement and Advertising Campaign honours.
The Meath Chronicle is part of the Celtic Media Group of newspapers which received 22 nominations in total.
"We are absolutely delighted to have received seven nominations for Local Ireland Media Awards this year. It's testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of our newsroom and commercial team to producing the best product we can across all platforms," said Editor Gavan Becton.
"I'm particularly delighted that political coverage has been nominated as it reflects the importance of local and regional newspapers in keeping their communities informed about their elected representatives and the political decisions that may affect them."
A total of 727 entries were made across 19 competitive categories.
President of Local Ireland and Managing Director of The Southern Star Seán Mahon said: “It's great to see these important awards continuing to thrive.
“The evidence is clear - this year saw the highest number of entries we've ever received across all the different categories.
“However, they all share one thing in common, the vitally important role we have in serving local communities by communicating the news that matters to our readers' lives. Thank you to everyone who entered and good luck to those nominated as finalists.”
The awards include a Lifetime Achievement award that is presented on behalf of the Local Ireland committee and there is also a Best Community Story award, selected by a panel from the National Lottery.
National Lottery Head of Corporate Affairs Jennifer Crowe said: “"This year's shortlist for the National Lottery Best Community Story reflects the strength and spirit of communities across Ireland.
“Through the lens of local journalism, we see people coming together, supporting one another, and making a real difference in the lives of those around them.
“Local journalism plays a vital role in helping to uncover these stories and ensure the people behind them are recognised. It's an honour to help celebrate their impact."
Chair of the judging panel Dawn Wheatley of Dublin City University School of Communications said:
"Once again, the quality of entries this year has been exceptional. Our judging panel had a genuinely difficult task narrowing down the shortlist, with several categories more competitive than ever.
“It's a real credit to the reporters, photographers, editors, production and commercial staff involved that standards continue to rise year on year. These entries are proof that trusted, on-the-ground journalism still matters enormously to the communities it serves, holding power to account, telling the stories that matter, and giving an essential voice to their readers."
The judging panel also includes RTÉ presenter and journalist Katie Hannon, Managing Editor of journal.ie Susan Daly, RTÉ presenter and journalist Sarah McInerney, Emeritus Professor at TUD Michael Foley, photographer and former Irish Times Picture Editor Frank Miller, broadcaster and writer Valerie Cox, journalist and author PJ Cunningham, novelist and newspaper columnist Dr Martina Devlin, DCU lecturer and former journalist Conor Tiernan, Policy Editor of the Business Post Daniel Murray, Deputy Night Editor of the Irish Sun Gerry McCarthy and Managing Director of Kinetic Ireland Andrew Sinclair.
The award winners will be announced at a gala event at the Mullingar Park Hotel on September 17 with host, RTÉ Lyric Fm presenter Marty Whelan.