Mail leads the way in freedom awards

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 15:38 EDT, 17 September 2026 | Updated: 15:38 EDT, 17 September 2026 Judges for the prestigious Society of Editors Media Freedom Awards have shortlisted the Daily Mail and The Mail on Sunday in five categories, including the Daily Mail for National News Media Organisation of the Year.Leading the charge in the Investigation of the Year category is The Mail on Sunday’s fearless exposure of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson’s sordid links to Jeffrey Epstein. Its exclusives revealed the pair’s lies, greed and attempts to save their own skins – and forced the King to take the unprecedented step of stripping his brother of all his royal titles.David Patrikarakos was recognised in the Commentator of the Year category for his astute and calm-headed analysis of current affairs, including sectarian politics, the threat posed by Iran and the changing nature of modern warfare.Also picked out was multimedia reporter Mimi Yates. Her investigations into homeless delivery drivers and harassment on the London Underground brought the Mail’s first-class reporting to the TikTok generation, and earnt her a place on the shortlist for Social Media Journalist of the Year. David Patrikarakos has been recognised in the Commentator of the Year category for his analysis of current affairs, including sectarian politics, the threat posed by Iran and the changing nature of modern warfare Multimedia reporter Mimi Yates was also shortlisted for Social Media Journalist of the Year for her investigations into homeless delivery drivers and harassment on the London Underground Piriyanga Thirunimalan received a nomination for Young Journalist of the Year for work on the Mail's true-crime channel The Crime DeskPiriyanga Thirunimalan, a reporter with the Mail’s true-crime channel The Crime Desk, received a nomination for Young Journalist of the Year for her brave door-step confrontation of convicted killer Michael Morton, as well as her sensitive and incisive interviews with victims of crime.Announcing the full shortlist, Dawn Alford, chief executive of the Society of Editors, said: ‘We are delighted to celebrate this outstanding group of nominees and the contribution they make to a healthy, informed democracy.’