The best news hounds in the North West are to be recognised in an annual contest held by phone company O2.

Nominations are now open for the O2 North West Media Awards which began in 2008 and have expanded each year to recognise journalists working on newspapers, radio and television, internet publications and magazines.

This year will see the introduction of the outstanding contribution award, in celebration of the efforts of one or more individuals who have made a lasting impression on their readers, viewers or their editorial colleagues.

Glenn Manoff from O2 said: “O2’s aim is to support the most talented and creative journalists working in regional newspapers, television and radio as well as internet-based digital mediums.

“The awards are growing in stature each year which demonstrates their popularity in the industry. We’ve also been delighted that several well-known celebrities and personalities have given their time to attend the award ceremonies.

“They, like us, want to celebrate the achievements of journalists who provide such a vital service in our communities.”

Journalists will be able to enter the following categories:

• Digital Journalist of the Year
• Photographer of the Year
• Feature Writer of the Year
• Sports Journalist of the Year
• Young Journalist of the Year (weekly newspapers)
• Young Journalist of the Year (Daily newspapers and broadcast media
• TV Broadcast journalist of the Year
• Radio Broadcaster of the Year
• News Reporter of the Year
• Business Journalist of the Year
• Scoop of the Year
• Editorial Team of the Year
• Outstanding Contribution Award
• Weekly Newspaper of the Year
• Daily Newspaper of the Year
• O2 Newspaper of the Year

A judging panel of media industry experts from the print, broadcast and digital sectors will select the finalists and the winners will be crowned at a presentation evening in the region later this year.

Deadline for entry nominations is 14 September.Entry forms are available by contacting Rossiter Media on 01925 576757 or by e-mail requests to [email protected]

The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony later in the year.