Bournemouth University student Katie O’Donnell has become the first student from the university to win the Orwell Society and National Union of Journalists Young Journalist’s Award.
Katie, who is studying for a BA (Hons) in Communication and Media, won the Reviews category in the 2026 awards. Her review of Preacher’s Daughter by Ethel Cain was selected by a judging panel that included journalists, editors and writers from across the industry.
The annual awards are open to students and early-career journalists aged 18 to 25 and are named in honour of author and journalist George Orwell.
Katie said winning the award had reinforced her ambition to pursue a career in music and culture journalism after graduating.
‘I struggle a lot with believing in myself and this really proved to me that it’s possible for me to pursue a career and something I’m really good at,’ she said.
The prize was presented at a ceremony in London, where Katie met Orwell’s son, Richard Blair, and received signed copies of Orwell’s books.
Dr Jaron Murphy of Bournemouth University and chair of the judging panel praised Katie’s determination in entering the competition.
As well as a £750 prize, winners received free membership of both the National Union of Journalists and the Orwell Society.
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