The Daily Mail was awarded newspaper of the year for the fourth time in 11 years at the London Press Club Awards lunch which took place on Tuesday 5 April at the Corinthia Hotel.
The judges praised the Daily Mail’s ‘vigorous campaigns’ and ‘star-studded roster of columnists’ and said the paper was ‘not to be missed’. They also praised its sports section and ‘strong opinion that makes grown men quake’.
Accepting the award, editor-in-chief Paul Dacre paid tribute to the high quality of journalism in Britain, declaring that, at its best, it is ‘better today than it ever was’.
The Times Saturday edition won the Weekend Newspaper of the Year award, one of this year’s newly launched award categories. Awards host Kate Silverton said: “In a field crowded with excellent writing and comprehensive coverage of everything from politics to sport and finance to lifestyle, the judges thought the winner’s roster of suburb columnists gave the edge over weekend competitors.”
The Evening Standard campaigns editor, David Cohen, was awarded the Edgar Wallace Trophy, for writing and reporting of the highest quality.
Chairman of the judges, Bill Hagerty, said: “There was no argument this year when the panel debated whose name should be added to previous inductees of one of journalism’s most exclusive clubs.
“The career to date of David Cohen made him the outstanding candidate, one whose work has already seen him win the Paul Foot Award, for spearheading the paper’s Frontline London campaign on gangs, and receive two Orwell Prize nominations, for series on The Dispossessed and disadvantaged young Londoners.
“What Cohen has achieved should provide inspiration for all journalism students and those considering working across the news media platforms.”
