Almost 150 journalists gathered at the Law Society of Ireland today, Thursday 11 June, for the annual Law Society Justice Media Awards.
The top award was presented to the RTÉ Radio 1 team for their podcast series: First Conviction.
A winner in the Broadcast (podcast) category, this entry was chosen as the overall winner from a record-breaking 674 entries and 158 shortlisted entries. The podcast series follows the investigation of a couple imprisoned for a crime against their child that never happened.
RTÉ Investigates were also awarded the category prize in the Broadcast journalism (TV/video) category for their special report on the same issue.
Issues relating to coercive control, domestic violence, the Satchwell murder case, critiques of the justice system, AI and data centres, and the DJ Carey case were among the key topics that appeared time and again across the 16 award categories.
President of the Law Society, Rosemarie Loftus, said:
“The Law Society Justice Media Awards continue to demonstrate the vital role journalism plays in helping the public understand the law, the courts and the issues that shape our society.
“With a 35% increase in entries since last year alone, and a tripling in entries in the last five years, this year’s record number of submissions is 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. This year’s winners did just that.
“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.
“On behalf of the Law Society, I congratulate all of this year’s winners and finalists. Their work reflects the depth of talent that exists across Ireland’s media landscape. Whether reporting for national or local audiences, producing podcasts, documentaries or digital content, these journalists are finding new and innovative ways to engage the public with legal issues.”
Record number of entries
In total, one overall winner, 16 awards and 37 merits were presented across 16 categories.
