Two new categories have been added to an annual awards scheme celebrating the best journalists and media across the Midlands region.

This year’s ninth Midlands Media Awards will recognise the best TV or radio journalist of the year and top student aiming to forge a career in the industry.

Organised by the Birmingham Press Club, it is being run in association with Birmingham International Airport and the Royal Mail.

There are 21 prize categories for which winners will receive £100, except scoop of the year which has a cash prize of £500.

Among the winners last year were the Sunday Mercury, crowned newspaper of the year, and Lucy Tatchell, from the Worcester News, who picked up best newcomer and best scoop for breaking the story of paralysed rugby player Dan James going to Switzerland for an assisted suicide.

Birmingham Press Club chairman John Lamb said: “Our awards scheme recognises and rewards the efforts of journalists from the field of newspapers, magazines, radio, television and new digital media.

“The Midlands Media Awards is established as one of the leading competitions for the regional media and is one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the calendar.”

Birmingham Airport CEO Paul Kehoe added: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Midlands Media Awards again this year and we hope that we receive even more entries from media across the Midlands region.

“The Birmingham Press Club’s events always guarantee to be enjoyable and entertaining and we have a few things up our sleeves to make the awards night the best yet.”

The deadline for entries is 16 April and the awards night takes place at the International Convention Centre, in Birmingham, on 13 May.

More information and an entry form can be found on birmingham-press-club.co.uk. The full list of award categories is:

Headline of the Year
Newspaper of the Year
Scoop of the Year
Magazine of the Year
Radio or TV Journalist of the Year
Regional Photographer of the Year
Sports Photographer of the Year
Weekly Photographer of the Year
Sports Journalist of the Year
News Reporter of the Year (Daily)
News Reporter of the Year (Weekly)
Newcomer of the Year
Business Journalist of the Year
Feature Writer of the Year
Community Campaign of the Year
Columnist of the Year
Trainee Journalist of the Year

Trevor Roberts Award
Given in memory of the former Birmingham Post and Mail photo editor known for mentoring young photographers. Awarded to the best up-and-coming young photographer from the Midlands.

Online Awards

Online Journalist of the Year
Digital Innovation of the Year
Online Campaign of the Year (voted for bloggers and tweeters)