Supporting Excellence in Medical Journalism
Author: Maya Anaokar, Account Director
This year marks a special milestone for Blue Lozenge – we’re sponsoring the Medical Journalists’ Association Awards for the first time, specifically the Feature of the Year (Broadcast) award.
Why the awards matter to us
The MJA Awards matter because excellent health journalism saves lives. The best health reporters don’t just inform – they scrutinise, challenge and ultimately drive improvements that make care safer for everyone. For all the specialist communicators who work in-house across the health system, you know journalists rely on your ethics, energy and expertise.
At a time when there is so much debate about the value of NHS communication, we want to champion the role communicators play in supporting journalists. Especially those journalists who go beyond soundbites and who dig deeper, research thoroughly, and transform complex health information into content that genuinely serves patients and communities.
The power of stories
Healthcare communication can be unnecessarily complex. We chose to sponsor the Feature of the Year (Broadcast) award to shine a light on the simplicity of storytelling. This award celebrates journalists who can distil intricate health stories into accessible, engaging content in just two minutes – a skill that’s both rare and vital.
Our challenge to the sector
We believe transparency, accountability and scrutiny make healthcare stronger. That’s why we support journalism that challenges the system to do better. We, therefore, have one ask for health journalists: stop accepting ‘a spokesperson says’ and demand named accountability from real people in senior positions across health and care.
The public deserves transparency, and transparency drives better outcomes.
Looking ahead
In today’s healthcare environment, leaders face mounting responsibilities and relentless pressures. Strategic communication isn’t about spin – it’s about creating space for healthcare leaders to focus on what matters most: improving lives. When done well, it embraces scrutiny rather than avoiding it.
We look forward to congratulating all MJA Awards nominees. Your work matters more than you know so get your entries in by 1 June.
Blue Lozenge specialises in strategic healthcare communication and engagement. If you’re facing communication challenges that require transparency, accountability and trust, we’d love to help: corrine@bluelozenge.co.uk
#HealthJournalism #NHSCommunications #MJAAwards #HealthcareCommunication #BlueLozenge
