A number of new categories have been introduced as the O2 Media Awards for North West England open for entries.

The awards, which are in their sixth year, attract hundreds of entries from journalists working across print, broadcast and online in the region and this year there are 17 categories.

These include new prizes for the best free newspaper, the best specialist writer and the best specialist publication of the year.

There will also be a special award handed out for outstanding contribution to the industry and an emerging talent award for students on media-related courses.

Nicola Green, director of communications and reputation for O2 UK, said: “The O2 Media Awards are a wonderful opportunity to showcase the media talent across the region.

“The North West is becoming an internationally recognised hub for newsgathering, media production and the distribution of material across the world.

“Regional journalism is a valuable element of this operation and is vital to our local communities. The O2 awards enable us to highlight that.”

The awards remain free to enter and the winners will be announced at a ceremony at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral on 6 November.

The deadline for entries is 11 September and entry forms are available by contacting Rossiter Media on 01829 741371 or by e-mail request to [email protected]

The full list of categories is:

• New Media 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
• Specialist Writer of the Year
• Scoop of the Year
• Editorial Team of the Year
• Emerging Talent Awards
• Specialist Publication of the Year
• Free Distribution Newspaper of the Year
• Weekly Newspaper of the Year
• Daily Newspaper of the Year
• Outstanding Contribution Award