Plain English Campaign

These awards are given to the best television programmes, radio shows and newspapers that people have nominated over the year, at a national and regional level. Our judges consider how well entrants have used plain English, and how successfully and passionately they have fought gobbledygook.

The closing date for entries for the 2010 awards is 30 September. We will contact the winners in November.

Below are the winners for 2009.

The International Media Award: Current TV USA

A cable TV channel operating in US, UK and Italy. Current TV is an independent media company led by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and businessman Joel Hyatt. It is largely managed by young people to report and present current affairs in a way that is appropriate for an audience of young people.

Best national newspaper: Daily Telegraph

Obviously the Telegraph came to our attention this year for the excellent journalism in uncovering the MPs’ expenses scandal.

As well as this, our judges said: As ‘Britain’s best-selling quality daily’, the Telegraph has much to praise about it, and its simple, straightforward style of communication is certainly one aspect of this.

It presents its news and information clearly and attractively, without resorting to using jargon and long, complex terms and phrases.

Best regional newspaper: Birmingham Mail

A good regional newspaper will always have the local community at the heart of its work, and the Birmingham Mail demonstrates this more than most.

Its clean, concise writing, its visually appealing layout and its use of good headlines and white space all make for a newspaper which is interesting, engaging and, above all, enjoyable to read.

Best national radio programme: BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat

Newsbeat has been setting trends in news reporting for over 35 years, and today its fresh and engaging content is arguably better than ever.

It never loses sight of its young audience, using innovative sound and production techniques to report the news in a clear, engaging and uncomplicated way.

Best regional radio: Belfast CityBeat

An award-winning station for years, CityBeat is an excellent example of local radio appealing to a local audience.

With over 140,000 listeners each week, the station’s popularity comes from its great mix of topical discussion and music, all presented in a style which is straightforward, simple and entertaining.

Best national television programme: ITV News at Ten

With over 40 years of programming, News at Ten continues to use its vast broadcasting experience to provide high-quality, clear and honest news coverage.

The reporting is passionate and inquisitive and has depth, but is concise and easy to understand, often using graphics and visuals to aid clarity.

Best regional television programme: BBC North West Tonight

This regional programme provides news which is both relevant and important to the local population. The presenters and reporters are professional and knowledgeable and explain things clearly to their viewers.

As well as its regional content, the programme covers national and international stories, but expertly tailors them to a north-west audience. Having won the Royal Television Society’s award for Best Regional News Programme in 2008, it’s clear that North West Tonight is clearly hitting the right note with viewers and commentators alike.