Veteran Observer writer Katherine Whitehorn and Northern Echo editor Peter Barron are among the journalists recognised in the New Year's Honours.
Whitehorn, 85, worked for the Observer from 1960 to 1996 and has continued to write a weekly column since then.
One of her most famous pieces wasfrom 1963 in which wrote about "sluts" saying: "Have you ever taken anything out of the dirty-clothes basket because it had become, relatively, the cleaner thing? Changed stockings in a taxi? Could you try on clothes in any shop, any time, without worrying about your underclothes? How many things are in the wrong room—cups in the study, boots in the kitchen?"
Barron was awarded an MBE for services to journalism and the community in the North East.
BBC cameraman Darren Conway was awarded the OBE for services to British broadcast journalism.
And former chief executive of IPC Media Sylvia Auton was also awarded the OBE, for services to the publishing industry.
Whistleblowing nurse Helene Donnelly received an OBE in recognition of her role exposing the scandal of high death rates and poor care at Stafford Hospital.
Julie Bailey, who founded the campaign group Cure the NHS after her mother died at Stafford Hospital, was awarded a CBE.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
