2026 FAME Submission Guide

1. The awards at a glance

• 26 awards are open for entry.

• Print Journalist of the Year, Radio Journalist of the Year and Television Journalist of the Year are selected by the judges from work already entered in other categories. Do not submit separate applications for these awards.

• Journalist of the Year is selected from the three Premier Journalist award winners.

• The Hall of FAME is separate and is selected by the full membership of the Fiji Media Council.

• The 2026 eligibility period is 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2026.

• There is no entry fee.

2. Core eligibility

• All entered work must have been published, printed, aired or broadcast through a member media organisation of the Fiji Media Council during the eligibility period, unless a category states a more specific requirement.

• Every entry must be endorsed by the relevant media organisation. The form includes an authorised newsroom submitter section for this purpose.

• Freelancers and correspondents may be entered where the work was published or broadcast by an eligible member organisation and that organisation endorses the entry.

• Work may be entered in more than one category only where it genuinely meets the criteria for each. A separate application form is required for each category.

• Links supplied to judges must remain active for the entire judging period and must be accessible without expiring. If a login or password is unavoidable, put access instructions in the form.

• Finalists will be asked later for biographies and high-resolution photographs. These are not required with the initial application unless the category specifically asks for identity or age evidence.

3. How to enter

1. Read the Categories and Criteria document and decide which award best fits the work.

2. Download the application form for that category from the Google Drive

3. Complete the form in full. Put every required link, statement, metric and piece of supporting information inside the form.

4. Get the form endorsed by the authorised person in your media organisation.

5. Rename the file using the format: CategoryNumber_MediaOrganisation_EntryTitle.docx.

6. Email the completed application form to 2025fameawards@gmail.com (This remains the official FAME Awards submission address for 2026).

7. Keep the original file and make sure every linked item remains accessible during judging.

8. Google Drive links are preferred for large audio, video or supporting files. All links must remain active and accessible for the entire judging period. Do not use temporary or expiring download links.

4. Which category should I enter?

5. Category quick guide

6. Digital metrics and audience data

• Audience numbers support a judgement; they do not replace it. A larger newsroom does not automatically score higher.

• For Best Media Website, use website analytics only. Do not add Facebook, TikTok, YouTube or other social reach to website traffic totals.

• Name the analytics platform used and provide a screenshot or report link so judges can verify the figures.

• For digital categories, explain unusual spikes, major breaking-news days or campaign activity where it helps judges understand the numbers.

• Where a metric is not available in your analytics platform, state N/A rather than estimating it.

7. Judging

• Competitive entries are assessed by an independent FAME judging panel appointed by the Fiji Media Council.

• The FAME Awards Organising Committee provides secretariat support but does not decide winners.

• Every entered category is scored out of 100 against published criteria. The judges receive the same criteria that entrants see.

• The panel may seek specialist technical advice where required. The final decision remains with the judging panel.

• The Secretariat may contact the authorised submitter if a link fails or clarification is required. It is the entrant's responsibility to provide complete material by the deadline.

• A material breach involving accuracy, fabrication, plagiarism or ethics may result in an entry being ruled ineligible regardless of score.

8. Final checklist before submission

• Correct category and correct 2026 application form.

• All work falls within the eligibility period.

• All permanent links open and do not expire.

• Required statements, metrics, chronology or evidence are included.

• Newsroom endorsement is completed.

• Declaration is completed.

• File is renamed clearly before being emailed.

• Email submission to: 2025fameawards@gmail.com