The editor of Computer Weekly, winner of the 2024 British Journalism Award for Campaign of the Year, has emphasized the importance of specialist publications in producing quality journalism that deserves more attention from the national media.
Computer Weekly was recognized for its extensive coverage over 15 years on the wrongful convictions of Post Office subpostmasters due to faulty accounting software. Bryan Glick, editor since 2009, expressed gratitude to the national media for their coverage of the Post Office scandal but urged them to pay attention to the wealth of stories produced by specialist publications like Computer Weekly.
With around 350 stories published between 2009 and 2024, Computer Weekly shed light on the Post Office’s faulty Horizon software, leading to a law passed in May to quash the convictions of affected subpostmasters. Former journalist Rebecca Thomson was also awarded an OBE for her work on the scandal.
Glick highlighted the importance of specialist magazines in covering relevant topics like cybersecurity and data privacy that may not always make it to the national media. He praised the long-term campaigning journalism that eventually led to justice for the victims of the Post Office scandal, showcasing the power of British media.
Overall, Glick emphasized the symbiotic relationship between journalism and dramatization, noting that both played a crucial role in bringing attention to the Post Office scandal and achieving justice for those affected.