Dedicated journalists are working day in day out to bring us the stories that matter to the North East and the Border region.  Sometimes they exceed expectations — with outstanding pieces of journalism, agenda-setting scoops or original investigations.  This award recognises high standards in video journalism produced by an outstanding individual who may be working on-line or in traditional TV news broadcasts.

WINNER:
Dan Farthing, BBC North East & Cumbria

 

NOMINEES:
Tom Sheldrick, ITV Tyne Tees
Alison Freeman, BBC North East & Cumbria

The Judges said:
Alison Freeman's commitment to the Alice Ruggles story was praised by the panel.  An obsessed soldier who stalked, then murdered, his ex-girlfriend by repeatedly slashing her neck, was jailed for life.  The genuine exclusive was the sit down interview with the victim’s friends which was very powerful.

The panel was also impressed by the range from Tom Sheldrick.  The stories are all tough to tell on television but they’re all stories that matter to viewers.  Interviewees were challenged and questioned throughout, which was refreshing among this year’s entries.  The panel feel this entrant shows real potential for the future.

But the stand out piece from the winner’s entry was Operation Sanctuary.  It was very thorough with high production values, revealing the full story behind the interlinked trials of more than twenty men accused of grooming vulnerable young teenagers in the West End of Newcastle.  Rivals were unable to match this coverage of the story.  The press quoted extensively from the programme, and it was transmitted in full on the BBC News Channel.