RTÉ’s ‘First Conviction’ takes top JMA prize

The RTÉ Radio 1 podcast series First Conviction has won the overall prize at the Law Society’s Justice Media Awards 2026.

The team behind the podcast – Tim Desmond, David Doran, Pamela Fraher, Philip Gallagher, Aoife Hegarty, Mel Mercier, Ruth Negga, and Liam O'Brien – were presented with the award at a ceremony at Blackhall Place today (11 June).

The series, which also took the prize In the Broadcast Journalism (Podcast) category, investigated the case of a couple imprisoned for a crime against their child that never happened.

RTÉ Investigates was also awarded the prize in the Broadcast Journalism (TV/video) category for its special report on the same issue.

‘Shocking failures'

The judges described the winning podcast as “a hugely important piece of journalism” that “wore its hard work and research lightly”.

Chair of the judging panel Michael Kealey described it as “timely”, saying that it informed the public of “shocking failures” that still took place in the legal system.

“It shone a light on a terrible miscarriage of justice involving the most vulnerable in our society,” he stated, adding that it “gave a voice to the voiceless”.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ruth Negga praised the team for their “sustained and patient” telling of the story, and adding that the key to fighting prejudice was shining a light on people who had not had their voices heard.

Journalism’s ‘vital role’

This year’s awards attracted a record 674 entries in 16 categories – a 35% increase compared with 2025.

Law Society President Rosemarie Loftus said that the awards continued to demonstrate the vital role journalism played in helping the public understand the law, the courts, and the issues that shaped society.

She described the increase in the number of entries as “a testament to the health, strength, and diversity of legal journalism in Ireland”.

“In an increasingly complex world, trusted journalism is essential. The awards are a reflection of the commitment of journalists across the country to producing rigorous, impactful, and public-interest reporting,” the president stated.

“First Conviction was educational, informative, and highlighted systematic flaws with our legal system. It captured the mood of the nation, highlighting distinct miscarriages of justice and areas of concern within the legal system and where they need to be improved. It was a stand-out piece of journalism,” she said.

Full list of winners

OVERALL WINNER

Tim Desmond, David Doran, Pamela Fraher, Philip Gallagher, Aoife Hegarty, Mel Mercier, Ruth Negga, and Liam O'Brien (RTÉ Radio 1): First Conviction.

PRINT/ONLINE JOURNALISM (DAILY)

Sinéad O’Carroll and Aoife Moore (The Journal): The full story of how the operator of gossip site Tattle Life was unmasked in an Irish court.

PRINT/ONLINE JOURNALISM (SUNDAY)

Michael O’Farrell (Irish Mail on Sunday): Brother Aidan Clohessy abuse investigation.

PRINT/ONLINE JOURNALISM (FEATURE)

Cormac O’Keeffe (Irish Examiner): Inside Ireland's deportation system.

PRINT/ONLINE JOURNALISM (LOCAL)

Bernie English (Limerick Post): New laws on what happens when your name ends up in the paper for the wrong reasons: Stop thief: The words no shopkeeper can say: ‘I just want the record set straight’.

BROADCAST JOURNALISM (RADIO – NATIONAL)

Brian O’Connell (RTÉ Radio 1): Inside the Drug Treatment Court.

BROADCAST JOURNALISM (RADIO – LOCAL)

Niall Delaney (Ocean FM): Beaten to death – The Tom Niland case.

BROADCAST JOURNALISM (PODCAST)

Tim Desmond, David Doran, Pamela Fraher, Philip Gallagher, Aoife Hegarty, Mel Mercier, Ruth Negga, and Liam O'Brien (RTÉ Radio 1): First Conviction.

BROADCAST JOURNALISM (TV/VIDEO)

David Doran, Pamela Fraher, Philip Gallagher, Aoife Hegarty, Tim Desmond, and Liam O’Brien (RTÉ Investigates): First Conviction.

COURT REPORTING – PRINT/ONLINE

Mary Carolan (The Irish Times): The struggle to rein in Ireland's teen offenders: 'These gangs have no fear of recrimination'.

COURT REPORTING (BROADCAST)

Barry Cummins, Sallyanne Godson, Sean Higgins, and Martin Vale (RTÉ Prime Time): Tina’s truth.

HUMAN RIGHTS/SOCIAL JUSTICE REPORTING (PRINT/ONLINE)

Alison O’Reilly (Irish Examiner): The 11-year investigation that led to Ireland's first ever mass exhumation.

HUMAN RIGHTS/SOCIAL JUSTICE REPORTING (BROADCAST)

Gavin Cooney, Ronan Early, Niall Kelly, Gareth Lyons, Sinéad O'Carroll, and Nicky Ryan (The Journal and The 42): Blathnaid Raleigh on the aftermath of a rape trial and the two sides of sport.

ENVIRONMENTAL LAW/CLIMATE JUSTICE REPORTING

Niall Sargent (The Currency): Data centre climate disclosures.

INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE REPORTING

Alice Chambers (The Currency): The ‘teen’ category was one of the most profitable.

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

Ella Sloane (The Irish Times).

STUDENT JOURNALISM

Orla Mahon and Adam Schmitz (The University Observer): Coverage of UCD School of Medicine sexual assault and image-based sexual abuse.