South West Future Journalist Awards 2026
Yes, young people have too much pressure and expectation and it feels like nobody listens to you. We get it and we want to help.
Share your voice, get published, and pocket some cash in the South West Future Journalists Awards.
West Country Voices, Totnes Pulse and the PRSD have put their collective heads together to come up with an award for upcoming and established young journalists and reporters.
The topic is a Manifesto For Change. We invite you to answer the question:
“with the world as you see it, what should those in power be doing right now?”
The competition is sponsored by the publications and Exeter-based company OutcomePath, who offer technology advisory work for big and small businesses.
Adrian Webb, chair of OutcomePath, said: “Amid the current avalanche of AI slop, real writing for real people about real issues is a stronghold of community cohesion. We love the PRSD‘s ethic, so thrilled to support the drive to find the next generation of non-AI writers.”
Write around 500 words or record up to five minutes of audio or two minutes of video – make it shareable, impactful, honest and authentic.
There are two age categories: under 16, and 17-25, and your home must be in Devon, Cornwall, Dorset or Somerset.
The prizes are £150 for first place, and £50 and £25 to runners up. Plus, you get to be published across all three titles, adding credibility to your words and amplifying your voice. The winner will also receive some hours of mentoring from Adrian Webb, who has deep and rich experience.
Send your submission to: competition@westcountryvoices.co.uk with the subject line: Devon Future Journalist, and include your details (age category and where you live) and why you have submitted what you have.
Please submit your entry in the following formats: text as a Word document (.doc); audio as WAV or MP3; video as an MP4.
We are assembling a panel of judges to include citizen journalists and campaigners who will pick the winners from a shortlist chosen by the editors of all three publications. Look out for news on the line-up.
The deadline is midnight Sunday 11 January 2026. but don’t wait – enter now!
You will be informed on / by midnight Sunday 25 January.
Top tip: make your message clear and accessible. Connect with people, speak to people and back up what you say with links or references – in this age of disinformation, evidence and/or expertise is always good.
A few rules:
- Don’t record people or events in secret – get permission.
- Be honest and be yourself.
- Don’t trust AI
- Your unique voice, insights, style and experience are key.
Need tips? There are plenty of resources out there to help:
A good place to start is: https://www.bbc.com/academy/learning-resources-for-journalism-students
Or drop us a line.
Best of luck! We look forward to hearing from you!