EMERGING JOURNALIST
AWARD RECIPIENT
Mia Poland
Journalist and broadcaster Mia Poland gives LGBTQ+ voices a platform to be heard through her Pride Vibes show on Cork’s 96fm. Bringing personal stories and queer history to listeners, Mia facilitates conversations about LGBTQ+ lives and experiences. Collecting the trophy for Emerging
Journalist, she said, “I’m actually so shocked, and this is the first time in a long time that I’m shaking holding a microphone! I just wanted to say thank you. Everyone in this room, whether I’ve spoken to you yet or not, I want to say a huge thanks to everyone who has trusted me to chat to me about your lives… Because it’s not just me making this show happen and making it all come together; it’s literally, I’d say, most people in this room, so thank you guys so much, I really appreciate it.”
NOMINEES
Azmia Riaz
Since moving to Ireland in 2021, Azmia Riaz has established herself as one of the country’s most compelling new voices. Currently working with the Irish Independent, through thoughtful, empathetic and impactful reporting, she has consistently brought visibility to communities whose stories are too often overlooked, particularly LGBTQ+ people of colour, migrants and those navigating multiple intersecting identities.
Jade Wilson
Jade Wilson has developed an impressive body of work across Irish and international media, with bylines in The Irish Times, Reuters, Bloomberg, Diva Magazine, GCN and more. She brings a thoughtful, rigorous and deeply human approach to her writing, particularly when reporting on LGBTQ+ lives, migration and social justice.
Zainab Boladale
Zainab Boladale represents a new generation of Irish journalists whose work is grounded in empathy, authenticity and a deep commitment to telling stories that are too often overlooked. As a journalist and presenter with RTÉ’s Nationwide, she has built a reputation for human-centred reporting that shines a light on the people and communities who make up modern Ireland.
By Alice Linehan