The JEP finished as one of two highly commended runners-up in the 2018 Daily/Sunday Newspaper of the Year (below 15,000) category from a shortlist of eight finalists.
A new Sunday title launched by the Glasgow Herald last year won the top prize and the other highly commended publication was the Birmingham Mail. The category for larger papers was won by the Belfast Telegraph for its work reporting from across the sectarian divide in Northern Ireland.
In both categories, the judges, experienced senior journalists or former journalists from all parts of the local and national media, look for service to the local community, great exclusives and successful campaigns, editorial achievements and other outstanding journalism.
JEP editor Andy Sibcy commented: ‘To have our journalism recognised in this way is a huge credit to the whole editorial team at the JEP.
‘We do not report on what might traditionally be called a busy news patch. Crime rates are relativity low, the threat of terrorism even lower and deaths from road accidents are thankfully rare. We do, however, serve a busy and diverse community with a strong sense of local identity and a truly global outlook.
‘The team has to work very hard to meet the high expectations of an engaged and highly-informed readership. Reporting in Jersey demands a deep understanding of our community, strong relationships, trusted contacts and a news sense that can turn a rough nugget into a memorable front-page exclusive. Our readers know their Island and demand that we report with authority, showing knowledge of political, social, cultural and historical context.’
Newspapers entering the awards have to submit three editions published during the previous calendar year.
The JEP submitted a paper which carried a front-page exclusive about Roman Abromavich being given his housing qualifications as a super-rich 2(1)e immigrant, a story which caused a political outcry, raising questions about Jersey’s reputation in a tense geo-political landscape with Russia and Europe at loggerheads.
Mr Sibcy said: ‘It shone a light on how super-wealthy oligarchs were being vetted for residency and ensured readers had a say in a matter of great public interest. The story provoked widespread debate about the sort of Jersey Islanders wanted and was picked up by news services around the world.’
An edition which marked the launch of the JEP’s Jersey Together campaign before Christmas to combat loneliness and social isolation was also submitted. It was launched following the suicide of a man who felt that he had nowhere else to turn after getting into financial difficulties.
Mr Sibcy said: ‘The campaign raised awareness about an issue which gets too little exposure and provided practical help to those who so needed it thanks to the support of individuals, charities and businesses. Being able to mobilise the deep well of goodwill and willingness to help in the Island is one of the great rewards of being a journalist in Jersey.’
The third submitted edition marked the culmination of the JEP’s coverage of the centenary of the First World War, which included a souvenir supplement telling the stories, in words and images, of many who went to war.
JEP managing director Paul Carter said: ‘It’s a well-worn and overused quote that Jersey is often seen to be punching above its weight, but it is certainly true in this instance.
‘For the JEP editorial team to be alongside such regional giants as the Birmingham Mail, The Glasgow Herald, Newcastle Journal and Cardiff’s Western Mail, to name just a few of the titles nominated for the same award, is a significant nod to the team’s diligence, energy and creativity.
‘To actually walk away with the highly-commended status, from a jury of industry peers, against such strong competition is an absolute credit to the team and Andy Sibcy the editor.
‘Like all publishers we’ve seen our fair share of pressure from the explosion in digital and broadcast media and, under Andy, the team has become adept at spreading their scant resources across an increasingly wide news horizon with 24/7 breaking news rubbing shoulders with the more familiar, but no less demanding, traditional routines of a daily print newspaper, hurtling towards its 130th year serving the Island.
‘This award recognises the essential role we perform, but also the unique position we occupy with our engaged and invested audience of readers.’
