Justice Media Award Winners 2025 - Independent Radio Sector.

Over 140 journalists gathered at the Law Society of Ireland on Wednesday 25 June, for the highly anticipated announcement of winners of the Justice Media Awards 2025. The Justice Media Awards recognise outstanding print, broadcast and online journalism that contributes to the public’s understanding of justice, the legal system and access to justice issues. The Justice Media Awards are the longest running media awards in Ireland.

All entries were assessed against the objectives of the Justice Media Awards, namely published works or broadcasts which:

•     Promote the highest standards in legal journalism,

•     Foster greater public understanding of the law, the legal system or access to justice issues,

•     Inform and educate the public as to the roles in society of the law, the courts, law enforcement agencies, and the legal profession,

•     Disclose practices or procedures needing reform to encourage the development and modernisation of Irish laws, courts, and law enforcement agencies, and/or

•     Assist the legal profession, the judiciary, and all others involved in the administration of justice in attaining the highest professional standards.

The top award was presented to Aoife Kelleher, Rachel Lysaght and Farah Abushwesha of Underground Films and Rocliffe for their powerful documentary, Testimony.  Mother and baby home documentary, ‘Testimony’, by Underground Films and Rocliffe takes top award.  Jointly winning the Human Rights/Social Justice Reporting (broadcast) category, this entry was chosen as the overall winner from 495 entries and 140 shortlisted entries. The documentary follows survivors of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries and Mother and Baby Homes in their fight for justice. 

Across the Independent Radio Sector in Ireland awards were presented across the following categories:

Broadcast Journalism - Radio - National 

Frank Greaney (The Anton Savage Show, Newstalk): Everything You Need to Know About Conor McGregor's Court Defeat.

The judges said: "This was a standout piece with a high standard of factual, unbiased reporting. It highlighted the strong need for witness testimony and provided clear explanations of burden of proof, the role of DPP, and categories of damages". 

Three merit certificates were awarded:

• Sarah Madden (The Pat Kenny Show, Newstalk): Survivors of the Sex Trade - "This journalist’s reporting gave a voice to sex workers. It offered detailed testimony from survivors, and it was excellent storytelling".

• Jessica Woodlock (The Pat Kenny Show, Newstalk): The Istanbul Convention: Is the State meeting its legal obligations for domestic violence? "Examining the State’s progress on domestic violence legislation, it is an important subject. This journalist carefully handled this topic and delivered an accessible report".

• Marése O'Sullivan and Patrick Geoghegan (Talking History, Newstalk): The Creation of the Irish Courts. "This was an educational piece of journalism. It was interesting for both the public and legal professionals, educating both on the legal system. The diversity of the panel made for nuanced discussion".

Broadcast Journalism - Radio - Local 

Sinéad Hubble & Will Faulkner (Midlands 103): Legal Matters on Midlands Today.  The judges said: "It is heartening to see a regular legal feature on local radio. This was accessible educational journalism and useful for public knowledge that empowers the public to navigate legal matters effectively".

Three merit certificates were awarded:

• Kevin McDermott & Joe Finnegan (The Joe Finnegan Show, Shannonside Northern Sound FM): The Judicial System and how it works. "This report provided a very clear explainer on how the judicial system and sentencing works, and highlighted appropriate factors to be considered. It was excellent for public understanding".

• JohnPaul McNamara (CorkToday, C103): Don't Leave a Legal Mess behind - The Importance of a Will. "With advice from a legal expert, this report was topical, educational and informative and stood out as it was of public interest and benefit". 

• Gillian Devlin (Limerick Today, Live 95): Explaining the rules of sentencing. "This detailed explainer was entertaining and, in parts, emotive. Crucially, it was educational and brought attention to the constraints on judges and the factors they must consider when passing sentences".

Newcomer of the Year - Winner 

Jessica Woodlock (The Pat Kenny Show, Newstalk, Bauer Media Group).  The judges said: "This newcomer stood out for her balanced reporting on domestic violence in the courts. Showing talent and plenty of potential, she is a well-deserving winner.

President of the Law Society, Eamon Harrington, said, “For almost 30 years, the Justice Media Awards have been a great source of pride for the Law Society, but they are only as strong as the quality, tenacity, and dedication of the journalists who apply and the stories they tell.  Over the past five years, entries to the awards have doubled, with a 20% increase this year from 2024. The record-breaking number of entries this year show that the standard of legal journalism remains incredibly high. 

“As journalists across the world continue to face threats, it is more important than ever to recognise and support responsible journalism, and those who produce it, that educates, informs and keeps our State bodies accountable. Journalism that amplifies voices of survivors and shares stories for the benefit of the public needs be recognised and celebrated. This year our overall winner, Testimony, does just that.  

“Testimony tells a harrowing and uncomfortable story about human rights abuses in Ireland, but one that needs to be told. The documentary celebrates resilience, calls for justice, accountability, and the right for survivors to pursue legal action, ensuring such inconceivable acts are never repeated. It is educational, confronting and is exceptional legal storytelling. 

“I would like to congratulate each of today’s winners. There is a huge amount of talent and credibility from Ireland’s legal journalists. With new media forms being developed, there is talent emerging from all areas. From seasoned national and local reporters, podcasters, broadcasters, newcomers and students, there is every reason to be optimistic about the future of Irish legal journalism.”