Campaigning sits at the heart of British journalism – at its best it’s a fiery passion that forges the reputations of our most fearless reporters, and elevates a good newspaper, TV or radio programme to a truly great one.
A great campaign does not just change opinions, sometimes it changes or even saves lives.
In celebration of this most difficult but rewarding aspect of our media, the best campaigns of the last twelve months will once again feature in the Pagefield Press Awards – now in their second year.
The winners will be announced at Pagefield’s autumn drinks reception on Tuesday 28th November, and judging the final shortlist of nominees the choice is going to be a tricky one…
So why not have your say? Vote for your favourite here.
The five campaigns are:
RMT: Save Our Ticket Offices
Over the last year, the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Works (RMT) has been campaigning tirelessly against the Department for Transport’s proposed closure of ticket offices. The union has mobilised extensive support for the campaign, including the largest-ever response to a government consultation.
Daily Mail: Scrap the Tourist Tax
Holding Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s feet to the fire, The Daily Mail has been campaigning for the reintroduction of VAT-free shopping for tourists. The tax was scrapped after Brexit and businesses feared that they would miss out on big spending tourists as shoppers flock to other European shopping destinations where they can get the 20 per cent refund on their purchases. As a result, over 400 companies – including Burberry and Marks & Spencer – signed an open letter calling on the Chancellor to ditch the tax.
The Sun: Give Us A Brake
Mindful of the growing salience of net zero as a wedge issue, The Sun has been leading a campaign to limit or reverse some of the Government’s green transition targets. Notably, the paper has urged politicians to not impose more requirements on motorists, especially related to the sale, use or tax of petrol and diesel cars.
Nigel Farage’s “de-banking” campaign
As effective as he is divisive, Brexit architect channelled his powerful oratory and organising skills into a push-back against nosy financial institutions. After obtaining a report which suggested his political views had been instrumental in persuading Coutts to close his account, Farage launched a campaign aimed at preventing customers from losing access to financial services because of their own political opinions. Following his efforts, and with the backing of the Telegraph, Farage regained access to his account, secured two high-profile executive resignations and prompted a government review of banking practice.
Daily Express: Complete the Circuit
No strangers to forcing change in the world of health, The Daily Express is campaigning to get 100,000 life-saving defibrillators registered on the national network to mark the NHS’ 75th anniversary. The essential devices have the power to restart a patient’s heart when it stops beating unexpectedly.
The campaign has received support from Professor Sir Stephen Powis, the national medical director for NHS England, and has resulted in the Government releasing £1million of funding for an additional 1000 defibrillators, with the potential of a further £2 million if matched by local authorities.
Vote for your Campaign of the Year here. Voting closes on 3rd November 2023.
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Here at Pagefield, we have deep expertise in creating powerful campaigns. We are currently leading high-profile projects including, the campaign to repatriate the Elgin Marbles to Greece; the fightback on behalf of the property industry against legislation undermining investor confidence; and the ongoing push to protect property rights in the telecoms market. Get in touch at hello@pagefield.co.uk if you’re planning a campaign and you think we can help.
