This is for the sports journalist who has done the most to investigate the world of sport and serve the public interest. The judges are looking for work which shows journalistic skill and rigour, is revelatory and which serves the public interest. For print/online entries, please provide up to three examples of work. Broadcasters can submit up to three clips or one entire programme in support of their entry. A supporting statement of up to 500 words must also be included. Collaborative entries are accepted. Work should have been published between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 and aimed at a UK audience.
Sports Journalism
Ian Herbert
Daily Mail
- We demand to know why they died: Scandal of the young Qatar World Cup workers who never came home
- Qatar could ‘rent’ noisy fans to get behind hosts, 4,000 supporters will stay in ‘floating hotels’ while immigrant construction workers must leave… Sportsmail reveals what the 2022 World Cup will really be like
- The failings of the football factories
The judges said: “This was high class journalism investing time and money effectively shine a light on some of the dark secrets behind the world of sport.”
Michael Crozier and Jeremy Vine present the Daily Mail’s Ian Herbert with the Sports Journalism prize. Picture: ASV Photography Ltd for Press Gazette
Al Jazeera Investigations
The judges said: “This was amazing video journalism which revealed the sinister people behind the buying and selling of English football clubs. The sting was brilliant, shocking and ground-breaking.”
Al Jazeera Investigations team pick up the Sports Journalism prize at the British Journalism Awards 2021 from PA apprenticeship training manager Roz MacKenzie and Jeremy Vine
Matt Lawton
The Times
• Mo Farah: If I were looking on, I’d be asking questions too
• Stars’ phone records ‘fixed’
• Shameful secret of UK Athletics chief Zara Hyde Peters that only came to light by chance
The judges said: “Matt Lawton’s entries exemplify his professionalism achieved over many years. His interview with Mo Farah at his training camp provides a stunning insight into an ongoing story. Exceptional reporting which has resulted in one criminal investigation into Sport Mobile and the resignation of chief executive Zara Hyde Peters after an extraordinary safeguarding revelation involving her husband. Securing the interview with Farah shows Matt Lawton’s ability to gain trust while asking the difficult questions.”
Jonathan Calvert and George Arbuthnott
Sunday Times Insight
• Exclusive investigation: Qatar’s secret $880m World Cup payments to Fifa
• Take it or leave it: Qatar’s lucrative World Cup offer to Fifa
• Russia faces new Olympics ban over doping
Judges said: “These were astonishing stories with ongoing global impact. It was classic Sunday Times Insight journalism – they held their nerve and refused to back off.”
