The Kent Press and Broadcast Awards 2021 return ‘virtually’ this September. Entries are now open to celebrate and reward regional journalism, with a category sponsored by Digitom.
Published: March 2021
The event organised by Tunbridge Wells-based PR and marketing agency Maxim switched to online last November, due to Covid-19. Due to the ongoing pandemic the awards will again be streamed on Friday 10th September.
Andrew Metcalf, Director at Maxim, said: “We had some great feedback on last year’s awards and we know they meant a lot to the media during a very difficult time. We are determined to go ahead with KPBA but we are having to suspend some categories for this year. We have decided to concentrate primarily on individuals’ achievements and hopefully there is still an opportunity for anyone who wants to enter.”
Andrew continued: “Everybody wants to emerge from the current lockdown as soon as possible, but as Covid doesn’t recognise dates in diaries we still need to be prudent. After successfully taking KPBA virtual last year we felt it safer for everyone concerned – sponsors, judges and finalists – that we do the same this year. We fully intend to return to a face-to-face event in 2022 but, for now, we want to keep everyone safe.”
An independent judging panel reviews every awards entry. New for this year is ‘The 2020 Award’ which recognises the efforts made by Kent’s media to serve local communities during the pandemic.
Andrew added: “If you’re a journalist who campaigned for something in your community; a media organisation that found a new way to connect to your audience; or maybe you adapted your work to be covid-safe in a way that deserves recognition, The 2020 Award is the one for you.”
Tom Chown, Founder and Creative Director at Digitom said: “Last year’s pandemic confirmed the essential role of local journalism, cementing their key-worker status delivering news under unimaginable pressures. I’m pleased we can continue to support the KPBAs and I look forward to when we can return to a face to face event in 2022.”
Kent Press & Broadcast Awards 2021 categories:
- Kent Broadcast Journalist of the Year, sponsored by Eurotunnel
- Kent Columnist of the Year, sponsored by Kent Invicta Chamber
- Kent Design(er) of the Year
- Kent Feature Journalist of the Year (Print)
- Kent Feature Journalist of the Year (Broadcast), sponsored by Digitom
- Kent New Journalist of the Year, sponsored by EKC Group
- Kent Print Journalist of the Year, sponsored by Southeastern
- The Neil Bell Kent Sports Journalist of the Year
- The 2020 Award, sponsored by BAE Systems
