News UK journalists named Gold award winners amongst UK’s top journalists under 30

Thursday 4th May 2023: Noa Hoffman of The Sun and Shayma Bakht of The Times have been named Gold award winners in the MHP Group 30 To Watch journalism awards for 2023.

The awards, which have run for the past 12 years, have recognised some of the best young talent in the media including Sophy Ridge from Sky News, Harry Cole from The Sun and Lewis Goodall from the News Agents podcast.

The 30 journalists under 30 were honoured at an awards ceremony last night. Among the winners were six News UK journalists, including: Issac Crowson and Noa Hoffman from The Sun; Jade Cuttle, Shayma Bakht and George Greenwood, The Times; and Megan Agnew, The Sunday Times. 

This year’s awards included a new 30 To Watch Breakthrough Award open to journalists who entered the newsroom without the advantage of going to university.

The award, supported by News UK, went to Isaac Crowson of The Sun.

More than 300 young journalists entered the awards this year from print, broadcast and digital titles spanning the UK and abroad, with categories including News & Investigations, Politics, City & Business, Personal Finance & Consumer Affairs and Production.

The winners judged by a panel of 20 editors and senior journalists including Ruth Sunderland from the Daily Mail, Colletta Smith from the BBC and Robert Guest of The Economist.

The chair of our judging panel was Sky News chief John Ryley who is stepping down this week after 17 years in the top job. He was awarded a special award for outstanding Achievement in journalism at the end of the evening.

John Ryley, Head of Sky News and Chair of judges said: “I was delighted to act as chair of this year’s judging panel. 

“We saw a wide range of entries from talented journalists covering issues that got under the skin of contemporary Britain. 

“We saw stories about the cost-of-living crisis, the breakdown of law and order and even the inadequacies of public transport in rural communities. 

“I strongly believe the golden age of journalism is ahead of us. These award act as hard proof that is the case for sure.”

At the event which was held at the News UK building in London Bridge was hosted by ITV News presenter Lucrezia Millarini with a keynote speech from the Editor-in-Chief of The Sun, Victoria Newton.

Victoria Newton, Editor in Chief of the Sun said: “It's hugely encouraging seeing the winners and entries for tonight's awards, to know just how much more diverse the industry has become.

“I know the quality of those entered was higher than ever before - with the judges being sent agenda-setting scoops, interviews and features, and hard-hitting investigations, published across many different platforms.

“So the future most definitely looks bright. Congratulations to you all.”