A regional media awards which aims to find the best journalism in the North West of England has opened for entries.

The O2 Media Awards have been launched for the North West with three new categories this year to reflect the changing nature of the media industry – recognising the top multimedia journalists, specialist publications and emerging talent.

The free-to-enter contest is being held for the fifth year running with 16 categories to celebrate the work of regional journalists working for newspapers, radio and television.

An award for Outstanding Contribution to the media industry is among the award categories, which last year was won by former North West Tonight anchorman Gordon Burns.

The deadline for entries is 20 September and the award ceremony will be held on 8 November at Lancashire Cricket Club.

The Emerging Talent Award is open to all college and university students in the North West studying media related courses and looking to enter the industry.

Other award categories include the Daily and Weekly newspapers of the year titles, as well as those for the best editorial team and the top scoop.

Nicola Green, Head of Communications at O2, said: “2012 has been a wonderful year for Great Britain and we hope the Media Awards event will be just as memorable for all those associated with journalism across the North West region.

“Every year the numbers of entries grow and we hope that this year will be another record breaker.”

Journalists will be able to enter the following categories:

Multimedia Journalist of the Year
Photographer of the Year
Feature Writer of the Year
Sports Journalist of the Year
Young Journalist of the Year
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
Emerging Talent Awards
Specialist Publication of the Year
Weekly Newspaper of the Year
Daily Newspaper of the Year
Outstanding Contribution Award

Entry forms are available by contacting Rossiter Media on 01925 576757 or by e-mail request to [email protected]