SYDNEY – (August 9): FINALISTS for the 2010 Newspaper of the Year have been released today by the Newspaper Publishers’ Association.

The awards focus on newspapers, websites, photography, marketing and excellence in print and production. The Newspaper of the Year awards gala night will be held at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont, Sydney on August 26.

Newspapers from across the Asia-Pacific region entered the awards this year with a strong presence from South-East and North-East Asia, and New Zealand.

A total 53 judges from the United States, South America, Canada, France, Portugal, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia and New Zealand have now made their decision.

PANPA chief executive Mark Hollands said: “Participation in these awards has been outstanding – more than 600 entries were received.

“The standard just gets better. Many judges who have taken part in similar industry awards have said this is the highest standard of entry they have seen. That says much about the professionalism of our industry.”

This year’s awards have been expanded and now total 64. Each category was judged by two or more individuals. Up to five judges considered key categories for newspaper, printing and digital entries.