Journalist and broadcaster Cathy Newman has been announced as the host of this year’s Kent Press & Broadcast Awards ceremony in July.

Currently one of Channel 4 News’ main studio presenters, Cathy, left, also regularly writes for the Telegraph and has extensive experience in print media.

Now in their second year, the awards aim to celebrate the best print, broadcast and digital journalism in the county and are organised by Tunbridge Wells-based PR outfit Maxim with the backing of 14 other local firms.

A panel of independent experts will judge the awards with a shortlist announced in May.

Said Cathy: “I started my journalistic career doing work experience on the North Devon Journal, so right from the start I had a keen awareness of the importance of local journalists in the media ecology.

“So I’m honoured to be presenting these awards for the crème de la crème of today’s local journalists.”

Philip Jones, director at Maxim, commented: “Securing a host experienced in the industry adds a certain gravitas to the ceremony so we’re delighted that Cathy will be joining us for the ceremony at The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, in July.

“We’ve been working very hard behind the scenes to secure support for the scheme and are pleased to announce we have 14 organisations on board. The Kent business community has really pulled together to pledge their support for local journalism.”