ASC Media Awards for Best Reporting of an Issue in Sport (Australia)

The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) Media Awards recognize exceptional media coverage of sport at the local and community level. This category—formerly “Best coverage of rural and regional sport”—now includes individuals who cover local and community sport, regardless of location. Entries open on 21 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Opportunity name: ASC Media Awards – Best coverage of local and community sport (formerly “Best coverage of rural and regional sport”)

- Funder/host: Australian Sports Commission (ASC)

- Opportunity type: Media awards category (not a grant)

- Eligible applicants: Individuals/media working in regional/rural or covering local/community sport (as described below)

- Eligible location of coverage/applicant: Coverage of sport relevant to a local community or area; media working in regional or rural settings are strongly encouraged (location requirements not otherwise specified)

- Entries open: 21 September 2026

- Entries close: 31 October 2026

- Qualifying period (coverage assessed): 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026

- Award basis: Quality and comprehensiveness of coverage during the qualifying period (specific award amounts not specified)

About the Opportunity

This ASC Media Awards category recognizes exceptional coverage of local and community sport, described as “the heartbeat of our sporting culture.” While the category has been broadened beyond rural and regional coverage, media working in regional or rural settings are strongly encouraged to continue entering. Entries should focus on coverage of individuals, teams, or a sport relevant to the entrant’s local community or area. Community impact is considered as part of the assessment. Funding and Benefits This is an award category under the ASC Media Awards, not a funding opportunity. The source does not specify award money, cost coverage, or additional benefits. Who Is Eligible?

Based on the source:

- Eligible applicants: The award category includes individuals who cover local and community sport, regardless of location.

- Strong encouragement: Media working in regional or rural settings are strongly encouraged to enter.

- Coverage focus: Your entry must be based on coverage relevant to a local community or area, including sport coverage such as match reports and profiles.

The source does not list specific organizational eligibility rules (e.g., NGO vs. media outlet), nor does it provide exclusions beyond the qualifying-period rule described below. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas Your entry should center on coverage of local and community sport. Examples of topics include: - Sports governance - Match reports - Match previews - Issues - Profiles - Other well-researched coverage The source also states that community impact will be considered. Why This Opportunity Matters Local and community sport coverage helps document, inform, and strengthen participation in grassroots sporting culture. This ASC category is designed to recognize media work that highlights individuals, teams, and community-relevant sporting stories, with community impact taken into account. How to Apply - Submit your entry via the ASC Media Awards platform Use the Awards platform submission portal: ASC Media Awards entry platform. - Complete the entry form - Submit a completed entry form. - Submit a separate form for each entry. - A series on the same topic is considered a single entry. - Provide your nominated content - Include one copy of the nominated item(s). - PDFs or web links can be submitted. - Upload an electronic copy of the work forming the basis of the nomination. - Add the required supporting statement - Include a 200-word statement outlining the entry’s relevance to the category, impact, and any background context. - Ensure your submission fits the format limits - Your entry can be a single piece or a series of pieces (maximum of six) that best represent your coverage. - Check qualifying-period eligibility - The qualifying period for nominations is between 1 November 2025 and 31 October 2026. - Entries submitted in previous Sport Australia/ASC Media Awards cannot be re-submitted for this category. - This qualifying-period rule applies to all categories except the Lifetime achievement award (not applicable to this category based on the source). - Meet the deadline

- Entries close: 31 October 2026.

- The source does not specify the deadline time or time zone. Application Tips or Common Mistakes

- Use the correct submission method: Entries must be submitted via the ASC Awards platform (not by email or post, based on the source).

- Keep within the series limit: A series can include up to six pieces.

- Write the 200-word statement clearly: The statement should address relevance, impact, and background context.

- Do not resubmit previous entries: If your content was already submitted in previous Sport Australia/ASC Media Awards, it cannot be re-submitted (per the qualifying information provided).

- Stay within the qualifying dates: Ensure the work is within 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions What is the ASC Media Awards category for this opportunity? It is the ASC Media Awards category titled “Best coverage of local and community sport”, which was formerly “Best coverage of rural and regional sport” and now includes coverage of local and community sport regardless of location. When do entries open and close? Entries open on 21 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026. The source does not provide a deadline time or time zone. What period of coverage is eligible for this category? The qualifying period is between 1 November 2025 and 31 October 2026 for all nominations in this category. Can I submit the same entry I submitted in a previous Sport Australia/ASC Media Awards? No. The source states that entries submitted in previous Sport Australia/ASC Media Awards cannot be re-submitted. What materials do I need to submit?

You must submit:

- A completed entry form (