City St George’s, University of London is launching its Golden Ambassador award to mark the 50th anniversary of its journalism department.
The award will recognise former students who have made an impact in journalism, with a longlist of 50 alumni including journalists working in radio, television, podcasting, newspapers and digital media.
Among those nominated are LBC’s Paul Brand, BBC News journalist Chris Mason, Persephonica founder Dino Sofos and broadcaster Samira Ahmed.
Other nominees with audio connections include Media Storm podcasters Mathilda Mallinson and Helena Wadia, along with Sue Nelson of Boffin Media.
Staff and former students have nominated alumni from across the university’s undergraduate and postgraduate journalism courses, recognising work ranging from investigations and political reporting to podcasts, media freedom campaigns and new digital formats.
Journalism educators and practitioners have been working to reduce the longlist to 16 nominees across five categories covering Politics and Public Life, International Journalism, Investigations and Crime, Innovation and Leadership, and Culture, Wellbeing and Lifestyle.
Professor Karen Fowler-Watt, Head of the Department for Journalism, said: “The starry long- list of nominees for our Golden Ambassador award is a testament to the incredible work of Journalism @ City over the last 50 years.”
She also highlighted the contribution former students have made to investigations, podcasts and campaigns, adding: “Journalism never mattered more than now.”
The department was established in 1976 and will announce the overall Golden Ambassador at its 50th anniversary celebration on 12 November 2026.
