24th September 2025
And the topic of the year for 2026 is…
We all know that starting any piece of writing, whether it’s an article, report, or even a blog post like this, is often the hardest part. What’s the angle? What’s the structure? Where do you even begin?
At the Shine School Media Awards, we help solve this problem by providing a specific topic each year. This summer, we let students vote on next year’s theme from a carefully curated shortlist.
The results were clear: power dynamics and their impact on young people’s lives struck a chord with teenagers across the board.
The winning topic for 2026 is: ABUSE OF POWER
We’re looking for entries in any format—features, poems, artwork, photography—that explore and interpret this challenging subject. Here are some directions your students might consider:
- Investigative journalism into corruption or institutional failures
- Profile pieces on figures who have misused their authority
- Opinion articles about systemic inequality, exploitation, or accountability
- Podcasts exploring power structures and their real-world consequences
- Visual art or photography that captures the impact of power imbalances
With current events unfolding locally, nationally and internationally, there’s no shortage of relevant material. We’re excited to see how your students will tackle this topic.
Even if your school’s media project is just a spark of an idea right now, don’t worry, entering is free and straightforward. Simply register with us, and we’ll provide guidance and support from now until our entry deadline next May.
If your school already produces a newspaper, magazine or podcast, or you have students keen to get one started, the Shine School Media Awards could help give your students a leg up in a competitive world.
A self-initiated media project will help your students shine – and rise.
Best wishes,
Richard Chapman
Chair, Shine School Media Awards