The Regional Press Awards have been relaunched after a new organiser took over their running from the Society of Editors.

Magazine publisher the Haymarket Media Group is organising the awards for 2023, with entries now being welcomed across 19 categories.

The awards will be held concurrently with the national Press Awards, also organised by Haymarket, with the winners being revealed in separate ceremonies to be held on the afternoon and evening of 8 March next year.

The SoE had organised both sets of awards on behalf of the News Media Association for 10 years, before it announced its stewardship was coming to an end earlier this year. The Society has instead launched the inaugural Media Freedom Awards focusing on press freedom and campaigning journalism.

New categories for this year’s RPAs include a combined ‘News brand of the year’ prize open both to newspapers and digital-only operations, replacing the previous ‘Newspaper of the year’ awards.

A ‘Digital initiative of the year’ category is also new for 2023.

Because of the lack of an awards ceremony this year, the awards will cover almost two calendar years, with the eligibility period for entries stretching from 1 January 2021 to 31 October 2022.

The shortlist will be announced on 8 December and the winners will be revealed at a ceremony to be held on 8 March 2023 at the Westminster Park Plaza, in London.

Owen Meredith, pictured, chief executive of the News Media Association, said: “These awards are the ones everyone working in news media today wants to win.

“They have a long and proud history, celebrating true excellence in the world of journalism, across print and digital platforms. At a time when access to trusted journalism has perhaps never been more important, the Press Awards bring our industry together to champion the importance of journalism to society and celebrate truly outstanding talent.”

Haymarket Business Media managing director Philip Swinden added: “We are delighted to be partnering with the News Media Association on their iconic Press Awards.

“We look forward to organising an exciting event that celebrates the best work in UK journalism – particularly where interest in local/national news and consumption levels across all channels has never been greater.”

The deadline for early bird entries, which cost £45, is 6 October 2022. After that, the entry fee is £60 up to the standard deadline of 20 October.

Information on how to enter can be found here.