In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and created and distributed during the 2023 calendar year.

Whilst exploring this category, our judges will be looking at:

Engagement: Nominees should have a strong and engaged online following, which includes but is not limited to social media platforms, blogs, podcasts, YouTube channels, and websites.

Content Quality: Nominees should consistently produce high-quality and informative content related to true crime. This can include in-depth case analysis, storytelling, interviews with experts, or unique perspectives on criminal events.

Research and Accuracy: Nominees should demonstrate rigorous research and a commitment to accuracy, including thorough investigation of case details and expert findings. 

Impact: Nominees should have had a significant impact on raising awareness about true crime cases, contributing to discussions about justice, and possibly even helping to solve or reopen cold cases through their online presence.

Ethical Considerations: Influencers should demonstrate responsible and ethical reporting, treating sensitive subjects with respect and sensitivity, and not glorifying or exploiting violence or tragedy.

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and first broadcast during the 2023 calendar year.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Faithful Adaptation: Nominees should demonstrate a high degree of faithfulness to the original true crime source material, whether it's a book, first-hand sources, or historical events. The adaptation should effectively capture the essence and key details of the real-life story, being sure to not sensationalise the events that it depicts. 

Engaging Storytelling: Nominated adaptations should excel in storytelling, using narrative techniques, character development, and plot pacing to create a compelling and immersive viewing experience.

Acting Performance: Recognising outstanding performances by the cast, particularly those portraying real-life individuals involved in the true crime story. This includes character depth, authenticity, and the ability to convey the emotions and complexities of the real people they represent.

Direction and Production Values: Nominees should exhibit strong direction and production quality, including cinematography, set design, and overall production values that enhance the viewing experience and contribute to the adaptation's authenticity.

Impact, Ethics and Reception: The adaptation's impact on viewers and critics should be considered, including its ability to spark conversations, raise awareness of the true crime case, or shed new light on the events depicted. It should demonstrate a considered approach to ethical storytelling, evidencing sensitivity to survivors or victims as well as their families.

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and first broadcast during the 2023 calendar year. Content in this category must be brand new, not having released a previous series or season. 

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Engaging Storytelling: Submission should demonstrate excellence in storytelling, using narrative techniques and pacing to create a compelling and immersive viewing experience in a new and distinctive way. 

Direction and Production Values: Nominees should exhibit strong direction and production quality, including cinematography, set design, and overall production values that enhance the viewing experience.

Research and Accuracy: Nominees should demonstrate rigorous research and a commitment to accuracy. This includes thorough investigation of case details, incorporation of expert analysis, and adherence to ethical reporting standards.

Impact, Ethics and Reception: The programme's impact on viewers and critics should be considered, including its ability to spark conversations and raise awareness of a case or cases. It should demonstrate a considered approach to ethical storytelling, evidencing sensitivity to survivors or victims as well as their families.

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and first broadcast during the 2023 calendar year. Programmes' eligible for entry in this category must be returning and have release at least one previous series.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Engaging Storytelling: Submission should demonstrate excellence in storytelling, using narrative techniques and pacing to create a compelling and immersive viewing experience in a new and distinctive way.

Direction and Production Values: Nominees should exhibit strong direction and production quality, including cinematography, set design, and overall production values that enhance the viewing experience.

Research and Accuracy: Nominees should demonstrate rigorous research and a commitment to accuracy. This includes thorough investigation of case details, incorporation of expert analysis, and adherence to ethical reporting standards.

Impact, Ethics and Reception: The programme's impact on viewers and critics should be considered, including its ability to spark conversations and raise awareness of a case or cases. It should demonstrate a considered approach to ethical storytelling, evidencing sensitivity to survivors or victims as well as their families.

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and first broadcast during the 2023 calendar year. 

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Engaging Storytelling: Submission should demonstrate excellence in storytelling, using narrative techniques and pacing to create a compelling and immersive viewing experience in a new and distinctive way. 

Research and Accuracy: Nominees should demonstrate rigorous research and a commitment to accuracy. This includes thorough investigation of case details, incorporation of expert analysis, and adherence to ethical reporting standards.

Direction and Production Values: Nominees should exhibit strong direction and production quality, including cinematography, set design, and overall production values that enhance the viewing experience.

Impact, Ethics and Reception: The programme's impact on viewers and critics should be considered, including its ability to spark conversations and raise awareness of a case or cases. It should demonstrate a considered approach to ethical storytelling, evidencing sensitivity to survivors or victims as well as their families.

 In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and first broadcast during the 2023 calendar year. Content in this category must be brand new, not having released a previous series or season.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Engaging Storytelling: Submission should demonstrate excellence in storytelling, using narrative techniques and pacing to create a compelling and immersive viewing experience in a new and distinctive way.

Direction and Production Values: Nominees should exhibit strong direction and production quality, including cinematography, set design, and overall production values that enhance the viewing experience.

Research and Accuracy: Nominees should demonstrate rigorous research and a commitment to accuracy. This includes thorough investigation of case details, incorporation of expert analysis, and adherence to ethical reporting standards.

Impact, Ethics and Reception: The programme's impact on viewers and critics should be considered, including its ability to spark conversations and raise awareness of a case or cases. It should demonstrate a considered approach to ethical storytelling, evidencing sensitivity to survivors or victims as well as their families.

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and first broadcast during the 2023 calendar year. Programmes' eligible for entry in this category must be returning and have release at least one previous series.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Engaging Storytelling: Submission should demonstrate excellence in storytelling, using narrative techniques and pacing to create a compelling and immersive viewing experience in a new and distinctive way.

Direction and Production Values: Nominees should exhibit strong direction and production quality, including cinematography, set design, and overall production values that enhance the viewing experience.

Research and Accuracy: Nominees should demonstrate rigorous research and a commitment to accuracy. This includes thorough investigation of case details, incorporation of expert analysis, and adherence to ethical reporting standards.

Impact, Ethics and Reception: The programme's impact on viewers and critics should be considered, including its ability to spark conversations and raise awareness of a case or cases. It should demonstrate a considered approach to ethical storytelling, evidencing sensitivity to survivors or victims as well as their families.

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and first broadcast during the 2023 calendar year.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Research and Accuracy: Nominees should demonstrate rigorous research and a commitment to accuracy. This includes thorough investigation of case details, incorporation of expert analysis, and adherence to ethical reporting standards.

Engaging Storytelling: Submission should demonstrate excellence in storytelling, using narrative techniques and pacing to create a compelling and immersive viewing experience in a new and distinctive way.

Direction and Production Values: Nominees should exhibit strong direction and production quality, including cinematography, set design, and overall production values that enhance the viewing experience.

Impact, Ethics and Reception: The programme's impact on viewers and critics should be considered, including its ability to spark conversations and raise awareness of a case or cases. It should demonstrate a considered approach to ethical storytelling, evidencing sensitivity to survivors or victims as well as their families.

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and first broadcast during the 2023 calendar year.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Outstanding Collaboration: Nominees should demonstrate exceptional teamwork and collaboration within the production crew. This includes effective communication, coordination, and synergy among various roles, such as directors, producers, editors, and sound engineers.

Innovation in Storytelling: Recognizing innovative approaches to storytelling that set the nominated program apart. This may include creative use of visuals, sound design, narrative structure, or unique perspectives on the true crime narrative.

Technical Excellence: Evaluating the technical aspects of production, including cinematography, editing, sound design, and overall production quality that enhance the visual and auditory experience of the true crime program.

Authenticity and Accuracy: The production team should uphold the values of authenticity and accuracy in portraying real-life events, investigations, and characters. Accurate representation of facts and adherence to ethical reporting standards are crucial and the demonstration of sensitivity to victims, survivors and families is paramount. 

Impact and Reception: Consider the impact of the program on viewers, the true crime community, and society at large. This includes audience engagement, critical acclaim, and its ability to spark discussions or raise awareness of important issues. 

In order to enter, either the content must be available to a UK audience & first broadcast during the 2023 calendar year or the significant impact resulting from the content must have occurred specifically in the year 2023.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Engaging Storytelling: Submission should demonstrate excellence in storytelling, using narrative techniques and pacing to create a compelling and immersive viewing experience in a new and distinctive way.

Direction and Production Values: Nominees should exhibit strong direction and production quality, including cinematography, set design, and overall production values that enhance the viewing experience.

Impact, Ethics and Reception: Most importantly for this category, the submission must demonstrate the programme's impact, including its ability to spark conversations and raise awareness of a case or cases. It should demonstrate a considered approach to ethical storytelling, evidencing sensitivity to survivors or victims as well as their families.

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and broadcast during the 2023 calendar year.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Narrative Excellence: Nominees must exhibit exceptional storytelling skills, weaving together captivating narratives that engage and captivate listeners. The podcast should effectively use narrative devices and pacing to maintain the audience's interest throughout.

Research and Accuracy: Nominees should demonstrate rigorous research and a commitment to accuracy. This includes thorough investigation of case details and facts linked to the investigation. 

Ethical Sensitivity: The podcast should handle sensitive topics and real-life stories with a high degree of ethical sensitivity and respect for all parties involved. It should avoid sensationalism or exploitation of tragedy. It is also important to demonstrate where the podcast has raised awareness about important matters such as social injustices, criminal reform, or other issues that impact individuals and communities.

Quality Production: Nominees should exhibit high-quality production values, including clear audio, effective use of music and sound effects, and well-paced editing that enhances the overall storytelling experience.

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and broadcast during the 2023 calendar year.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Engagement and Interaction: Nominees should demonstrate a high level of engagement and interaction within their podcast community. This includes active participation in discussions, feedback sharing, and a sense of camaraderie among members.

Knowledge Sharing: Recognising the community's role in sharing knowledge and insights related to true crime cases, investigations, and criminal justice issues. This may include in-depth case analysis, historical context, or contributions to solving cold cases.

Support and Empathy: Evaluating the community's ability to provide support and empathy to individuals affected by crime, victims' families, or others who seek a safe and understanding space to share their experiences.

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and broadcast during the 2023 calendar year.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Narrative Excellence: Nominees must exhibit exceptional storytelling skills, weaving together captivating narratives that engage and captivate listeners. The podcast should effectively use narrative devices and pacing to maintain the audience's interest throughout.

Research and Accuracy: Nominees should demonstrate rigorous research and a commitment to accuracy. This includes thorough investigation of case details and facts linked to the investigation.

Ethical Sensitivity: The podcast should handle sensitive topics and real-life stories with a high degree of ethical sensitivity and respect for all parties involved. It should avoid sensationalism or exploitation of tragedy. It is also important to demonstrate where the podcast has raised awareness about important matters such as social injustices, criminal reform, or other issues that impact individuals and communities.

Quality Production: Nominees should exhibit high-quality production values, including clear audio, effective use of music and sound effects, and well-paced editing that enhances the overall storytelling experience.

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and broadcast during the 2023 calendar year.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Narrative Excellence: Nominees must exhibit exceptional storytelling skills, weaving together captivating narratives that engage and captivate listeners. The host should effectively use narrative devices to go beyond simply retelling a story and demonstrate ways that they captivate and engage their audience. 

Research and Accuracy: Nominees should demonstrate rigorous research and a commitment to accuracy. This includes thorough investigation of case details and facts linked to the investigation.

Ethical Sensitivity: The host should handle sensitive topics and real-life stories with a high degree of ethical sensitivity and respect for all parties involved. It should avoid sensationalism or exploitation of tragedy. It is also important to demonstrate where the host has raised awareness about important matters such as social injustices, criminal reform, or other issues that impact individuals and communities.

Quality Production: Nominees should exhibit high-quality production values, including clear audio, effective investigative methods and interviewing, and well-paced editing that enhances the overall storytelling experience.

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and broadcast during the 2023 calendar year.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Narrative Excellence: Nominees must exhibit exceptional storytelling skills, weaving together captivating narratives that engage and captivate listeners. The podcast should effectively use narrative devices and pacing to maintain the audience's interest throughout.

Research and Accuracy: Nominees should demonstrate rigorous research and a commitment to accuracy. This includes thorough investigation of case details and facts linked to the investigation.

Ethical Sensitivity: The podcast should handle sensitive topics and real-life stories with a high degree of ethical sensitivity and respect for all parties involved. It should avoid sensationalism or exploitation of tragedy. It is also important to demonstrate where the podcast has raised awareness about important matters such as social injustices, criminal reform, or other issues that impact individuals and communities.

Quality Production: Nominees should exhibit high-quality production values, including clear audio, effective use of music and sound effects, and well-paced editing that enhances the overall storytelling experience.

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and broadcast during the 2023 calendar year.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Research and Accuracy: Nominees should demonstrate rigorous research and a commitment to accuracy. This includes thorough investigation of case details and facts linked to the investigation.

Narrative Excellence: Nominees must exhibit exceptional storytelling skills, weaving together captivating narratives that engage and captivate listeners. 

Ethical Sensitivity: The podcast should handle sensitive topics and real-life stories with a high degree of ethical sensitivity and respect for all parties involved. It should avoid sensationalism or exploitation of tragedy. It is also important to demonstrate where the podcast has raised awareness about important matters such as social injustices, criminal reform, or other issues that impact individuals and communities.

Quality Production: Nominees should exhibit high-quality production values, including clear audio, effective use of music and sound effects, and well-paced editing that enhances the overall storytelling experience.

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and first broadcast during the 2023 calendar year.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Narrative Excellence: Nominees must exhibit exceptional storytelling skills, weaving together captivating narratives that engage and captivate listeners. The podcast should effectively use narrative devices and pacing to maintain the audience's interest throughout.

Research and Accuracy: Nominees should demonstrate rigorous research and a commitment to accuracy. This includes thorough investigation of case details and facts linked to the investigation. Ethical Sensitivity: The podcast should handle sensitive topics and real-life stories with a high degree of ethical sensitivity and respect for all parties involved. It should avoid sensationalism or exploitation of tragedy. It is also important to demonstrate where the podcast has raised awareness about important matters such as social injustices, criminal reform, or other issues that impact individuals and communities.

Quality Production: Nominees should exhibit high-quality production values, including clear audio, effective use of music and sound effects, and well-paced editing that enhances the overall storytelling experience.

In order to enter, either the content must be available to a UK audience & first broadcast during the 2023 calendar year or the significant impact resulting from the content must have occurred specifically in the year 2023.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Narrative Excellence: Nominees must exhibit exceptional storytelling skills, weaving together captivating narratives that engage and captivate listeners. The podcast should effectively use narrative devices and pacing to maintain the audience's interest throughout.

Research and Accuracy: Nominees should demonstrate rigorous research and a commitment to accuracy. This includes thorough investigation of case details and facts linked to the investigation.

Quality Production: Nominees should exhibit high-quality production values, including clear audio, effective use of music and sound effects, and well-paced editing that enhances the overall storytelling experience.

Impact, Ethics and Reception: Most importantly for this category, the submission must demonstrate the impact that the podcast has had, including its ability to spark conversations and raise awareness of a case or cases. It should demonstrate a considered approach to ethical storytelling, evidencing sensitivity to survivors or victims as well as their families.

The publisher should have released at least one true crime book in 2023 to be eligible to enter and must have been released in the UK. 

Whilst evaluating submissions, our judges will be considering:

Portfolio: Entries should demonstrate diversity in terms of sub-genres, topics, and authors.

Quality of Content: Entries will be evaluated based on the quality of the content they produce. This includes factors such as writing style, storytelling ability, depth of research, and accuracy of the information presented.

Innovation: Judges may consider the publisher's ability to innovate within the true crime genre. This could involve experimenting with narrative techniques, exploring new angles on well-known cases, or bringing fresh perspectives to the genre.

Impact & Ethics: The impact of the publisher's books on readers, the true crime community, and the broader literary world will be assessed. This might include looking at book sales, reader reviews, critical acclaim, and influence on popular culture. Judges may also assess the publisher's approach to handling sensitive and potentially controversial true crime topics, ensuring ethical standards are maintained in the research and storytelling.

Author Relationships: The strength of the publisher's relationships with true crime authors may be considered. This includes their ability to attract and nurture talent within the genre. 

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and first released during the 2023 calendar year.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be considering:

Content Quality: The audio book will be evaluated based on the quality of its content, including the depth of research, accuracy in presenting the true crime story, and its ability to engage and captivate listeners.

Narration: The quality of the narration is crucial. Judges will assess the skill, style, and emotive depth of the narrator(s). Exceptional narration should enhance the overall listening experience.

Production Value: Judges will consider the production quality, which includes the use of sound effects, music, and other audio elements that contribute to the immersion and impact of the story.

Storytelling: Judges will explore the structure, pacing, and clarity of the storytelling and will be looking for innovation in the use of audio techniques or storytelling methods that set the audio book apart from others in the genre.

Listener Engagement: The ability of the audio book to engage and hold the attention of its intended audience is vital. This may involve creating tension, suspense, or emotional connection with the subject matter.

Ethical Considerations: Judges may assess how ethically sensitive topics are handled within the audio book, ensuring that respect for victims and ethical research standards are maintained. 

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and first released during the 2023 calendar year.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be considering:

Originality: The author's work should exhibit originality in terms of storytelling, presentation of facts, or the unique perspective brought to a case. The ability to bring innovation to the true crime genre, whether through narrative techniques, unique storytelling approaches, or fresh angles on well-known cases, will be considered.

Quality of Writing: Judges will assess the quality of writing, including prose style, narrative flow, and the ability to engage readers throughout the book.

Research and Accuracy: Authors must demonstrate a commitment to thorough research and factual accuracy in their true crime narratives. Judges will consider the depth of research and the use of credible sources. 

Ethical Considerations: Authors should handle sensitive and potentially controversial true crime topics with care and maintain sensitivity towards victims, survivors and others that are affected by the content discussed in the book. 

In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and first released during the 2023 calendar year.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be considering:

Quality of Writing: The book must exhibit exceptional writing quality, including the use of language, narrative structure, and the ability to engage and captivate readers from start to finish.

Depth of Research: Judges will assess the depth of research conducted by the author, ensuring that the book is well-researched and based on credible sources.

Originality: The book should demonstrate originality, whether through a fresh perspective on a well-known case, an innovative narrative approach, or a unique angle that sets it apart from other true crime works. The book's ability to bring innovation to the true crime genre, whether through storytelling techniques, investigative methods, or unique thematic exploration, will be considered

Impact: Consideration will be given to the book's impact on readers, the true crime community, and the broader literary world. This may include factors such as book sales, critical acclaim, and influence on popular culture.

Ethical Considerations: Authors should handle sensitive and potentially controversial true crime topics with care, maintaining ethical research standards and sensitivity towards those affected by true crime. 

 In order to enter, content must be available to a UK audience and first released during the 2023 calendar year.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be looking for evidence of the following:

Research and Accuracy: Nominees should demonstrate rigorous research and a commitment to accuracy. This includes thorough investigation of case details and facts linked to the investigation.

Quality of Writing: The book must exhibit exceptional writing quality, including the use of language, narrative structure, and the ability to engage and captivate readers from start to finish.

Originality: The book should demonstrate originality, whether through a fresh perspective on a well-known case, an innovative narrative approach, or a unique angle that sets it apart from other true crime works. The book's ability to bring innovation to the true crime genre, whether through storytelling techniques, investigative methods, or unique thematic exploration, will be considered

Impact: Consideration will be given to the book's impact on readers, the true crime community, and the broader literary world. This may include factors such as book sales, critical acclaim, and influence on popular culture.

Ethical Considerations: Authors should handle sensitive and potentially controversial true crime topics with care, maintaining ethical research standards and sensitivity towards those affected by true crime.

In order to enter, either the content must be available to a UK audience & first broadcast during the 2023 calendar year or the significant impact resulting from the content must have occurred specifically in the year 2023.

When exploring submissions, our judges will be considering:

Ethical Considerations: Most importantly for this category, the submission must demonstrate the impact that the book has had, including its ability to spark conversations and raise awareness of a case or cases. It should demonstrate a considered approach to ethical storytelling, evidencing sensitivity to survivors or victims as well as their families.

Quality of Writing: The book must exhibit exceptional writing quality, including the use of language, narrative structure, and the ability to engage and captivate readers from start to finish.

Depth of Research: Judges will assess the depth of research conducted by the author, ensuring that the book is well-researched and based on credible sources.

Originality: The book should demonstrate originality, whether through a fresh perspective on a well-known case, an innovative narrative approach, or a unique angle that sets it apart from other true crime works. The book's ability to bring innovation to the true crime genre, whether through storytelling techniques, investigative methods, or unique thematic exploration, will be considered