A nationwide press industry awards scheme has defended its decision to focus solely on print after calls for a rethink on the plan.

The newsawards announced last week it was reverting to its previous name of the Newspaper Awards, with a fresh focus on “production and innovation” in printed newspapers.

However, the move has upset some editors of independent and hyperlocal titles including Darren Toogood, whose Isle of Wight-based title the Island Echo won ICNN Independent Community Website of the Year at the most recent awards.

Now, Newspaper Awards director Gary Cullum, pictured, has explained in further detail the reasons behind the decision.

Speaking to HTFP, he said: “Our decision to focus on print was not taken lightly, however we are running a business and came to this decision for a number of reasons.

“Award ceremonies like ours rely on the support of sponsors and other stakeholders. Quite simply, that support has been eroding on the digital side and we have been finding it increasingly difficult to gain support from sponsors and stakeholders involved in the digital sector.

“Of course, we recognise that digital news is integral to the future of the news media industry and we have tried hard over recent years to support the sector.

“Also, there are award events that focus entirely on digital news (which exclude print) and we believe the print sector needs similar support.

“We were one of the first awards to recognise the important role of hyperlocal news and we intend to continue this focus on printed hyperlocal newspapers.

“We have always gone out of our way to encourage entries from every size of news organisation and that is why we have never charged for entry and endeavoured to keep our table costs down. This policy will continue going forward.

“All the talk surrounding print is gloom and doom. We want to support a sector that is still vital to the success of the industry.”

The entry form for Newspaper Awards 2023 will be available in September with a December closing date.

The awards will take place on Tuesday 28 March 2023 at the London Hilton Bankside.

Sponsors include Fujifilm, UPM, Papermule, Reach Printing Services, Resolute Forest Products, Newsprinters and Aktrion Atalian Servest.