The Oxford Mail has been nominated for the top award at a prestigious press awards.

The shortlist for the Regional Press Awards for 2022 was published today with 136 journalists and publishers in contention for the top prizes across 19 categories.

The Regional Press Awards are considered by many to be the most respected prizes in journalism and represent the best of the best in local and regional media.

The Awards have been relaunched this year by Haymarket plc and the News Media Association in partnership with HoldtheFrontPage, with the award ceremony due to take place in London on March 8 2023.

The Oxford Mail has been shortlisted in the News brand of the Year (large) category.

Going up against the Oxford Mail in this category is Reach PLC’s Liverpool Echo, KentOnline and the Manchester Evening News, Mediahuis’s Belfast Telegraph, Midland News Association’s Shropshire Star and fellow Newsquest title The Northern Echo.

The Oxford Mail was shortlisted for returning to its ‘campaigning spirit’ in 2022 with campaigns which included, Your Money Matters (guidance, tips and exclusive reader offers during cost of living crisis), Not in Our Name (calling for end to Russia twinning association), Enough is Enough (plea for action to end road deaths) and more.

Some of the paper’s biggest stories this year included coverage of the controversial LTN and ZEZ measures, royal visits, severe water leaks and a series of shocking murders.

In terms of sports coverage, the Oxford Mail was also front and centre reporting on a planned stadium move, ownership takeover and death of Oxford United legend Joey Beauchamp. 

Regional editor Andrew Colley said: “This is great news for our team of dedicated journalists who work around the clock to bring our loyal readers the latest news in print and online.

“The prestigious Regional Press Awards is like the Oscars for our industry and to be shortlisted alongside so many great publications is an honour.

“When I took over last December, my opening editorial promised that we would be your biggest champion and stand up for our county.

“We’ve seen a return to a campaigning spirit, broken big exclusives and launched investigations whilst continually holding authority to account.

“We could not, and would not, do any of that without the support of our audience and I thank you, our readers, for backing us and continuing to read our stories in your thousands.

“The final thanks go to my small but formidable team of editors and reporters who have shown throughout that they are the best in the business."

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This story was written by Sophie Perry. She joined the team in 2021 as a digital reporter.

You can get in touch with her by emailing: sophie.perry@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @itssophieperry

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