Technology Journalism

For the journalist who has done the most over the course of the year to investigate the world of technology. 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 2023 and 31 August 2024 and aimed at a UK audience.

WINNERS

Amanda Chicago Lewis

— 1843 magazine, The Economist

- Secrets of a ransomware negotiator

The judges said: “This was a gripping story which shed new light on one of the biggest problems in the world of technology and how companies respond when they are under ransomware attack.”

Siân Boyle

– The Sunday Times/Daily Mail

The judges said: “This is a journalist who is ahead of the pack in terms of bringing the big technology themes to a mainstream audience and is completely on top of her brief.”

Harry Davies, Simon Goodley, Felicity Lawrence, Paul Lewis and Lisa O’Carroll

Guardian Investigations and BBC Panorama

The judges said: “This was a great scoop which exposed corporate misbehaviour at one of the world’s biggest technology companies.”

Guardian investigations and BBC News teams pick up the Technology Journalism award at the British Journalism Awards 2022. Picture: ASV Photography Ltd for Press Gazette

Stephanie Kirchgaessner

The Guardian

The judges said: “This was a thorough investigation. Well researched and presented with clarity.”

A Guardian colleague picks up the Technology Journalism prize for Stephanie Kirchgaessner at the British Journalism Awards 2021 from Jeremy Vine and Mohit Joshi president of sponsor Infosys

Stephanie Kirchgaessner

The Guardian

• Jeff Bezos hack: Amazon boss’s phone ‘hacked by Saudi crown prince’

• Phone of top Catalan politician ‘targeted by government-grade spyware’

• Revealed: Saudis suspected of phone spying campaign in US

The judges described Kirchgaessner’s story, breaking allegations that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ mobile phone was hacked by Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, as “powerful” and “important well-researched journalism, creating a powerful narrative”. They added: “We know what the Saudis do to journalists they don’t like so it was not without personal risk too.”

Mehul Srivastava

Financial Times

• How London became a test case for using facial recognition in democracies

• London’s King’s Cross uses facial recognition in security cameras

• Who’s using your face? The ugly truth about facial recognition

Judges said: “This was an incredible investigation which had global impact and was conducted at some personal risk. It led to immediate action from tech companies to make their networks more secure.”