Categories and Media Requirements

Entrants should select the category that best reflects the dominant style and intent of their column writing, rather than the publication format or word count.

Columnist of the Year – Short Form

Definition
This award recognises column writing that is primarily short form in approach, delivering strong opinion, reaction or perspective with immediacy and impact. Entries often respond quickly to events, using voice, clarity and engagement to drive debate and connect with a broad audience. This may have been published across digital, print and hybrid formats.

Columns in this category are judged on:

• strength and clarity of voice
• immediacy and relevance
• ability to engage and provoke thought
• impact and consistency

Short form refers to the style and intent of the writing, not a fixed word count.

Entries for both short/Longform may consist of up to five published columns and up to 500-word citation, detailing the columnist’s voice and approach, the themes or issues explored and how the work demonstrates consistency, insight and impact during the eligibility year.