Regional press trade body the Newspaper Society has confirmed that it will not be holding its Circulation, Editorial and Promotions Awards again this year.
It follows news that Wilmington, which retains the rights to the Regional Press Awards, has decided not to run that event this year either.
The developments mean that 2010 could be the first year in more than two decades when there has not been a national awards event to celebrate the best of regional newspaper journalism.
Several of the big regional newspaper publishers – Johnston Press, Trinity Mirror and Newsquest – have indicated that they are not prepared to pay the £39 entry fees to enter journalists in such events. Ticket prices for the Regional Press Awards ceremony were another drawback, costing as they did around £130 each.
Related
Press Gazette is however organising a conference this summer, called Local Heroes 2010, which is being held at Kingston University in South West London on 14 May and is intended to provide a forum to share success stories from the under-pressure regional press.
Those speaking at the event include editors who have grown their circulation and launched successful new online and print products.
More details here: Local Heroes 2010
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