Categories and Media Requirements

Two categories are now available, for Long-Form and Short-Form writing. Articles of 550 words or more in length should be entered as Long-Form; below 550 words should be entered as Short-Form.

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

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.