ASC Media Awards 2026: Best Reporting of an Issue in Sport (Journalistic Excellence Award) — Entry Details

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Media Awards include a category for Best reporting of an issue in sport, recognizing journalistic excellence through responsible, well-researched and analytical coverage of key issues affecting sport. Entries are submitted via the ASC Media Awards platform, with the application window opening 21 September 2026 and closing 31 October 2026. The qualifying period for submissions runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026. The Best reporting of an issue in sport category recognises a story, or series of stories, focused on a single issue in sport. The award seeks to promote responsible, well-researched and analytical coverage of matters affecting sport. For this category, “issues” do not include: All other matters relating to sport may be considered, including topics relating to sport business, governance and administration. No funding amount, grants, or financial benefits are specified in the source page. This opportunity is presented as a journalistic excellence award category under the ASC Media Awards. The source specifies category entry requirements rather than formal organisation types. Based on the information provided, entrants must:

Qualifying period rule:

Geography and applicant type beyond this are not specified in the source. This category supports journalism coverage on:

It is designed to exclude:

It may include other sport-related topics such as: Long-form broadcasts are eligible, but must also include an additional requirement (see below). This category rewards sports journalism that goes beyond routine coverage by focusing on issues affecting sport, including governance, administration, and related analytical reporting. If you produce research-led reporting on matters shaping the sport sector, this category is designed to recognise the quality and impact of that coverage during the qualifying period. For this category, entries should include: If you need additional conditions beyond those listed, the page directs readers to review the conditions of entry (more detailed information is referenced, but not reproduced in the provided text). What does the ASC Media Awards “Best reporting of an issue in sport” category recognise? It recognises a story or series of stories covering a single issue in sport, with a focus on responsible, well-researched and analytical coverage. Are match reports, event previews, or injuries eligible for this category? No. The source states that “issues” do not include match or event reports/previews or injuries to individuals. What topics could be eligible instead? The source indicates other sport-related matters may be considered, including sport business, governance and administration. What is the qualifying period for nominations? The qualifying period is between 1 November 2025 and 31 October 2026. When do entries open and close? Entries open 21 September 2026 and close 31 October 2026. Deadline time and time zone are not specified in the source. How many entries can I submit for this category? A maximum of two entries per person applies to this category. Can I submit books as entries? No. The ASC cannot accept books as entries for these awards. Review the official ASC Media Awards category guidance and complete your submission through the Awards platform during the stated entry window. Before finalising, double-check the exclusion criteria (e.g., match reports/previews and injuries to individuals) and ensure your entry package includes the completed entry form, the nominated item copy (PDFs or web links), and the required 200-word supporting statement. For more information, visit Australian Sports Commission.