Key Dates for 2026

Entry opens May 1

Entry closes July 1

Finalist announcements July 31

Kennedy Awards Dinner Presentation - Friday, August 21, Royal Randwick

Entries eligible for work published or broadcast between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026

Judging Process and Entry Criteria

In each category, three finalists will be selected by the judges of that category, who will then each will independently award points to the top three in order of preference. Each judge’s numbers will then be totalled to find the winner of that category.

Winners will be exceptional examples of ground-breaking, gutsy and creative journalism that demonstrate a profound and enduring impact.

Judges will also consider the resources, research, preproduction, preparation, logistical challenges, public interest and community benefit each entry reflects.

Entrants are required to disclose any formal corrections, claims of plagiarism or legal proceedings related to the entry after its publication.

By registering, the entrant attests to the originality of the work and its compliance with copyright rules.

All entrants and their work must comply with the MEAA Code of Ethics.

Entrants must declare if the creation of the work involved payment for information or an interview.

Dealing with Conflict of Interest in Judging

The Kennedy Awards strives to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest in the judging process. The judges selected are respected leaders in Australian journalism and specialised consultants from associated industry .

The Kennedy Awards Supervisory Committee monitors any potential for a personal or professional relationship to undermine the judging process's independence, fairness and objectivity.

Judging the work of entrants from their own media organisation will not necessarily disqualify a judge.

Before the judging process begins, each judge is required to identify any potential conflict of interest and notify the organising committee. If necessary, the appropriate changes will be made.