The Irish News has received eight nominations in the Northern Ireland Media Awards, including print/digital outlet of the year.
Three of the paper’s sports team were nominated along with one each in the news, photography, business and student categories.
The Chartered Institute of Public Relation awards, sponsored by Ulster Bank, are returning after a seven-year absence. The awards night will take place on March 15 at the Mac in Belfast.
Shortlists in the 21 categories across print, digital and broadcast media were announced on Friday, with The Irish News nominated in six.
The publication is one of five nominated for the best print/digital media outlet of the year.
Brendan Crossan, Neil Loughran and Cahair O’Kane all received nominations in the sports journalist of the year category.
Mal McCann is named on the shortlist for photographer or videographer of the year, with John Breslin nominated in the print/digital journalist of the year category.
Ryan McAleer has been nominated in the business category, while Sophie Clarke is one of four in the running for student journalist of the year.
The judging panel for the awards is led by the former BBC political editor Michael Crick.
Other categories include newcomer of the year along with best podcast and best use of social media. A lifetime achievement award will also be presented on the night.
On the announcement of the launch of the awards, Ulster Bank’s regional board engagement manager Gillian McCandless said: “Local media has been going through a period of evolution and this is something we can relate to within our own industry, so I hope we can learn from each other and forge closer relationships as we move through this process.”
CIPR NI chair Brittany Breslin added: “In a time of click-bait, misinformation and division in our society, the role that professional journalists have to play is more valuable than ever.”
Chris Sherrard, Irish News editor-in-chief, said: “I am delighted to see our journalists, and the editorial team generally, recognised again with these nominations.
“Such recognition is a fitting achievement for our hard-working team at The Irish News.
“We pride ourselves on producing the very best journalism day and daily for our readers and they have continued to loyally support us with extremely strong sales in print and growing digital figures.
“That isn’t something we ever take for granted and we will continue to work hard in order to maintain our position as the biggest-selling regional newspaper in the UK and Ireland.”