Women in Journalism Awards 2024
Women in Journalism has honoured the exceptional achievements of female journalists who have made an indelible mark in their profession.
The awards, now in their third year, sponsored by the UK’s number one skincare brand No7, highlight the outstanding work of trailblazers, campaigners and rising talents in British journalism today.
Held at the U.S. Embassy in London, the awards were hosted by WIJ chair Rachel Corp, CEO of ITN, and attended by the who’s who of British journalism including 200 editors, journalists, broadcasters and media CEOs.
This year, in addition to its Lifetime Achievement Award, two new awards have been added: Woman of the Year and Rising Star.
Lifetime Achievement Award 2024
This is Women in Journalism’s most prestigious award, given to an outstanding and inspiring female journalist who has paved the way and influenced journalists of all ages across all media.
The Sunday Times Chief Foreign Correspondent Christina Lamb OBE is the recipient of Women in Journalism’s Lifetime Achievement Award this year.
As chief foreign correspondent, Christina Lamb has covered violent conflict around the world Afghanistan to Ukraine, starting out when she was just 22, and has always focused on the impact warfare has on women, using her powerful writing to expose the horrors and widespread use of sexual violence. She has also worked with Malala to highlight the importance of girls' education. She has been ambushed by the Taliban, abducted by Pakistan’s ISI, held by Mugabe's war vets in Zimbabwe, narrowly escaped suicide bombing of a hotel and was on Benazir Bhutto’s bus when it was blown up. She has also danced in the Rio Carnival.
Rachel Corp, WIJ chair, said: “Christina is simply a formidable correspondent and an incredible role model for all journalists with her fearless reporting and her unwavering commitment to highlighting the human cost of conflict. Women in Journalism is proud to recognise her work.”
Previous winners include CNN’s Christiane Amanpour and Tina Brown, the award-winning journalist, author and editor.
Woman of the Year Award 2024
The Woman of the Year Award celebrates a female journalist working across any media platform whose dedication, courage and/or talent has brought the most talked-about stories to light this year. The recipient could have altered history, campaigned for justice, change in the law, or shone a light on the importance of a free press.
This year, WIJ has decided that The Woman of the Year Award 2024 should be given to the following three individual journalists:
Cathy Newman, Channel 4 News: Presenter and Investigations Editor of Channel 4 News. Newman’s relentless seven-year investigation into the Church of England’s abuse scandal spanned three continents and culminated in the Archbishop of Canterbury’s resignation. Her reporting uncovered systemic failings and gave survivors a platform to share their stories. Newman’s unwavering commitment and dedication to this and other exposes this year underscores the transformative power of investigative journalism.
Sam Poling, BBC Scotland: Investigative Journalist. Poling’s documentary on the unsolved murder of 27- year-old Emma Caldwell helped convict Iain Packer, securing justice for victims after 13 years. Her investigative work brought critical evidence to light. Sam was cited as a witness, and clips from the interviews she conducted with the accused were shown to the jury in his trial, helping lead to Iain Packer being found guilty of 33 charges against a total of 22 women, including Emma's murder and 11 rapes. He was given a life sentence to serve a minimum of 36 years in prison.
Beth Rigby, Sky News: Political Editor. Rigby’s incisive election coverage and political podcast have positioned her as a leading authority in an unpredictable political landscape. Rigby has had a stellar year, providing unrivalled analysis and insight into the year’s pivotal political moments. Her ability to break down complex events and engage audiences has solidified her reputation as one of the most trusted voices in political journalism.
Rising Star Award 2024
The Rising Star Award celebrates a woman shaping the future of journalism. This is a new award to acknowledge the amazing talent of a generation. It recognises a young woman journalist who is destined for the top or may already have broken through and is destined to go even further. At a time when journalism faces unique challenges this woman is inspiring not just the next generation but also those who have come before her.
This year, two Rising Star Awards were presented: the first to Rianna Croxford and the second to Cree-Summer Haughton, both of whom embody determination, brilliant storytelling and huge initiative in their work.
Rianna Croxford, BBC News & Current Affairs
As an Investigative Correspondent, Croxford undertook a three-year investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving Abercrombie & Fitch’s former CEO Mike Jeffries.
Her groundbreaking reporting on claims of international sex trafficking network made worldwide news.
Three men, who all deny the claims against them, face trial in New York as a result of an FBI probe launched after Rianna’s report.
Cree-Summer Haughton, ITV News: Digital Video Producer and Reporter
For ITV News, Haughton’s investigation into the dangers of unregulated backstreet cosmetic surgery revealed the life-threatening risks faced by young women.
Her work has reached wide audiences, especially on digital platforms, and spurred calls for greater government oversight.
