WEALTH August 19, 2026 0 Comments

UCD Smurfit School’s Bold New Move: Why Adding a Broadcast Category Could Disrupt Business Journalism Forever

Ever wonder why the hum of a well-tuned broadcast can crack open complex business puzzles like a trusty safe? Well, the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate School Business Journalist Awards seem to have cracked the code by bringing back their Business Broadcast of the Year category for their 19th annual awards. It’s like an old friend returning with fresh insights—because let’s face it, making intricate economic issues digestible and downright engaging through radio, TV, or online video is no small feat. Sponsored by Bank of Ireland and backed by the Business Journalist Association of Ireland, this longstanding celebration honors those sharp minds and eloquent voices who turn business news into stories that punch above their weight. So if you’re sitting on a story or a broadcast that’s got the chops to inspire, inform, or even shake up the way we see business—it’s time to step up. Entries are open now through September 2nd, and hey, there’s a €1,000 prize to sweeten the deal. Curious to see how the game is changing and who’s calling the shots? LEARN MORE

The UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate School Business Journalist Awards have reintroduced the Business Broadcast of the Year category ahead of this year’s ceremony.

Now in their 19th year, the awards celebrate excellence in Irish business journalism across audio, broadcast, online, and print media.

The awards are sponsored by Bank of Ireland and run in association with the Business Journalist Association of Ireland.

Entries for the Business Journalist Awards are now open and submissions can be made via smurfitschool.ie/bja until Wednesday, 2 September.

Professor Federica Pazzaglia, director of UCD Smurfit School and associate dean of UCD College of Business, said: “At UCD Smurfit School, we recognise the vital role that high-quality journalism plays in helping our students as future business leaders and the wider public understand the forces shaping organisations, markets, and society.

“We are proud to host the 19th annual Business Journalist Awards, celebrating the reporters, analysts, and editors whose clarity, rigour, and insight inform public debate and inspire responsible leadership.

“This year, we are particularly delighted to reintroduce the Business Broadcast of the Year category, celebrating excellence across online video, radio, and television.

“This expansion reflects the powerful role broadcast media plays in making complex economic issues accessible, relevant, and engaging to diverse audiences.”

The winning entry of each category will be honoured at an awards ceremony in December and receive a €1,000 prize. There are eight categories in this year’s awards:

Business Analyst of the Year
Business Broadcast of the Year
Business Feature of the Year
Business Interview of the Year
Business News Story of the Year
Business Podcast / Audio Story of the Year
Upcoming Journalist of the Year
Women in Business Journalism Award

In addition to these entry-based categories, the judging panel may also award an Outstanding Achievement Award.

Each entry is examined by an independent panel of judges, composed of leaders from academia, business, and journalism. The 2026 judging panel includes:

Nóirín O’Sullivan (Chairperson), Former Garda Commissioner, NED, Independent Advisor and Consultant;
Carin Bryans, NED and former J.P. Morgan Country Head;
Michael Cullen, Independent NED, Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland Ltd.;
Bryan Dobson, Former Journalist, Newscaster and Presenter;
Professor Patrick Gibbons, Full Professor of Corporate Planning, UCD College of Business;
Tony Golden, Board Advisor, INED, Corporate Finance Consultant, former Chairman, Citi Corporate and Investment Bank Ireland;
John Golding, Executive MBA Student, Director, Financial Services Consulting at NTT DATA;
Audrey Healy, Director of Alumni Relations and Head of Marketing and Communications, UCD College of Business;
Niamh Hennessy, Columnist, former Business Journalist and PR Consultant;
Assistant Professor Catarina Marvão, Assistant Professor of Banking and Finance, UCD College of Business; and
Professor Federica Pazzaglia, Director of UCD Smurfit School and Associate Dean of UCD College of Business.

More judges to are to be announced.

UCD Smurfit School’s Business Journalist Awards have reintroduced their broadcast category.

Damien Garvey, director of group corporate affairs at Bank of Ireland, said: “We are proud to continue our sponsorship of the UCD Smurfit School Business Journalist Awards. In today’s dynamic world, trusted, accurate and insightful business journalism has never been more important.

“Journalists help inform, explain, and scrutinise the issues shaping Ireland’s economy, businesses, and society. These awards celebrate the professionalism and dedication of business journalists, and we are delighted to support that recognition.”

Photo: Professor Federica Pazzaglia, Director of UCD Smurfit School; Professor Anthony Brabazon, Dean of UCD College of Business; Nóirín O’Sullivan (Chair, BJA Panel of Judges), Former Garda Commissioner, NED, Independent Advisor & Consultant; and Damien Garvey, Director, Group Corporate Affairs, Bank of Ireland. (Pic: Supplied)