The shortlist has been published for an annual set of awards celebrating excellence in digutal publishing, with five ‘inspiring local journalists’ in the running.

The 2025 Digital Publishing Awards, organised by the Association of Online Publishers, will take place on 11th June at Old Billingsgate, London.

Among the 26 categories is the AOP Award for Inspiring Local Journalism with Manchester Evening News journalists James Holt, pictured, Helena Vesty and Nicole Wooton-Cane all making the shortlist.

They are joined by Liam Thorp, political editor of the Liverpool Echo, and Luke Butterly of The Detail, a Belfast based news website and TV station covering Northern Ireland.

Other regional press nominees Reach plc’s hyperlocal platform In Your Area, which is nominated for Audience Development Team of the Year.

Reach is also nominated for the Best Digital Publishing Innovation prize for Mantis Solutions, alongside Newsquest’s AI-Assisted Reporter.

Now in its 23rd year, the awards aim to set the standard for editorial, commercial, partnership and publishing excellence.

Entries are judged by a panel of digital industry experts under the guidance of co-chairs Katie Le Ruez, former Director of Digital at Guardian News & Media, and Thomas Lake, Product & Technology Director at Infopro Digital.

Richard Reeves, managing director at AOP, said: “At a transformative time for digital publishing, I’m proud that we continue to spotlight the highly talented people and impressive innovation in our industry.

“Once again, we’ve seen an impressive variety of submissions this year, covering a range of sectors within the industry. I’m excited to announce the winners and celebrate at the awards ceremony in June.”

The full list of finalists can be viewed online here.