Only one entry per category is allowed. Judges are particularly looking for courageous journalism, as well as writing excellence, accuracy, storytelling, newsworthiness, ethics, research, impact and public benefit. Keeping in mind the parameters of the medium, creativity, originality and writing flair will be highly regarded in this category, in addition to the general criteria. The newspaper award is given in honour of the late James Oram.
Judges look for originality, flair and relevance to the story it heads.
Newsworthiness, impact, technical superiority, creativity and originality are what photography judges are looking for in this category. The winner of this overall category recognising skill and versatility will be awarded the Nikon Walkley Press Photographer of The Year Award. Entrants will be judged on a portfolio of four images. Technical excellence, combined with innovation and creativity, will be highly regarded. High regard will be paid to research, writing, production, incisiveness, impact, public benefit and ethics.