The organisers of two popular photographic awards have announced that the events are to merge.

The Picture Editors’ Awards and the Nikon Press Awards will now operate under the Picture Editors’ Awards name, with Nikon UK joining founding sponsors Fujifilm, the Corporation of London, and Diageo in providing financial and other support.

The Nikon Awards have been running for more than three decades, with the Picture Editors’ Awards running for almost 10 – but this year’s competition almost didn’t go ahead after organisers found it difficult to secure sufficient funding.

The event was rescued at the last minute by Getty Images.

Glyn Genin, chairman of the Picture Editors’ Awards, said: “The awards will draw heavily on the strengths and experience of both the Nikon Press Awards and the Picture Editors’ Awards.

“It’s intended that additional categories will further encourage photographers, especially in the regions.

“A significant expansion of the Corporation of London’s Student Award is also planned.”

Simon Coleman, general manager of Nikon UK’s Imaging Division, said: “We are delighted to become a major sponsor of the Picture Editors’ Awards, and especially pleased to be working alongside our industry colleagues at Fujifilm.

“The Nikon Awards have supported press photography for more than three decades and have been held in the highest regard.

“However, we feel that there is a need for one, all-encompassing awards scheme that recognises and rewards the very best of photographic journalism in the UK and Ireland.

“Through this new partnership, and by our presence at major media events throughout the year, we continue to reinforce our commitment to press photography.”

The 2003 awards will be launched next month and presented at a ceremony in the Great Hall of Guildhall in London in May 2003.

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