Channel 4 News Dominates 2026 RTS Awards with Five Major Honours

Channel 4 News has made a significant impact at the 2026 Royal Television Society Television Journalism Awards, taking home five major awards and solidifying its position as a leading news provider in the UK. The programme won the prestigious Programme of the Year award for the third consecutive year, as well as awards for International News Coverage, Political Journalist of the Year, Camera Person of the Year, and the Outstanding Contribution Award.

Awards and Nominations

The five awards won by Channel 4 News include:

• Programme of the Year
• International News Coverage for ‘The Fall of Assad’
• Political Journalist of the Year, awarded to Gary Gibbon
• Camera Person of the Year, awarded to Zaher Saleh
• Outstanding Contribution Award, awarded to Lindsey Hilsum

In addition to the five wins, Channel 4 News received nominations for:

• News Coverage Home for ‘Failing Women and Girls’
• Scoop of the Year for ‘The Penguin Lessons’
• Presenter of the Year, nominated for Matt Frei
• Emerging Talent, nominated for Sophie Braybrook

Recognition for Excellence in Journalism

The awards recognise Channel 4 News’ commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful journalism, both at home and abroad. The programme’s reporting from the frontline of global events, including the conflict in Gaza and the fall of Assad, has been praised for its courage, skill, and dedication to bearing witness.

The award for Camera Person of the Year, given to Zaher Saleh, recognises his extraordinary bravery and skill in reporting from Gaza, despite being shot while on assignment. The Outstanding Contribution Award, awarded to Lindsey Hilsum, celebrates her 30 years of fearless public service journalism, from Rwanda to Gaza, Iraq to Ukraine.

A Proud Record of Public Service Impact

Winning Programme of the Year for the third consecutive year reinforces Channel 4 News’ position as a leading and trusted news provider in the UK. The programme’s editor, Esme Wren, accepted the award, stating that it belongs to the entire Channel 4 News team, freelance journalists, and viewers who trust the programme to guide them through uncertain times.

With five wins and three additional nominations, 2026 marks Channel 4 News’ most successful RTS Awards in four cycles, demonstrating its commitment to fully funded, independent public service journalism.