A Bailiwick Express reporter has been shortlisted for one of the UK’s top journalism awards.
Megan Davies has been nominated for Young Journalist of the Year at the Society of Editors’ Media Freedom Awards 2025, which recognise reporters producing impactful public-interest journalism and are seen as the Oscars of the newspaper and media industry.
She is being recognised for two Express deep reads: one on how 50 local children were drawn into a major drugs network that smuggled nearly £2 million worth of drugs to Jersey, and another telling the story of survivor Suzie Mahe and the case of former Shinzo owner and convicted rapist Gavin Roberts.
She also submitted her cover story for leading CI business magazine Connect on the challenges facing the local coffee industry and why those businesses matter to the island’s economy, community and cultural fabric.
Ms Davies said: “I was excited to find out that I had been shortlisted. There are lots of brilliant journalists in local news who work very hard, so it’s great to highlight Jersey media.
“The stories I submitted all took some time to put together and took a lot of work and a lot of time, and I’m lucky that the newsroom gave me the time and trust to work on them.
“Everyone I speak to all day makes themselves a bit vulnerable by talking publicly about something personal to them, so I’m very grateful to them and hope that readers value that.”
Express and Connect editor Fiona Potigny said Ms Davies’ nomination was “richly deserved”.
“Her deep-dive into how nearly 50 Jersey children were manipulated into a major drugs network was a masterclass in investigative storytelling – deeply researched, sensitively handled, and unflinching in its detail.
“She then reported powerfully on the case of ex-Shinzo owner and rapist Gavin Roberts – including extensive interviews with survivor Suzie Mahe – handling a highly sensitive subject with exceptional care, and helping to spark an important conversation about domestic abuse law and victim protection in Jersey.”
“Everyone I speak to all day makes themselves a bit vulnerable by talking publicly about something personal to them”
ALL ISLAND MEDIA REPORTER Megan Davies
“Likewise, her Connect magazine cover story on the true cost of keeping Jersey caffeinated showed the same depth and curiosity, tracing the journey of coffee from bean to cup through the eyes of those who make it possible,” Ms Potigny continued.
“All three pieces reflect the kind of thoughtful, in-depth journalism we work hard to nurture in our newsroom. Digging beneath the surface and bringing complex issues to life for readers is everything great local journalism should be.”
Announcing the shortlist, Society of Editors chief executive and co-chair of judges Dawn Alford said: “At a time when media freedom and journalists’ safety are under attack in many areas across the globe, the Media Freedom Awards provide an opportunity to stand up and celebrate the truly extraordinary journalism that comes out of newsrooms across the UK.
Digging beneath the surface and bringing complex issues to life for readers is everything great local journalism should be
Express and Connect editor Fiona Potigny
“Once again, the standard of entries this year has been exceptional, and our judges have worked diligently and given up their time to review hundreds of submissions.
“Well done to all those shortlisted, and we look forward to welcoming you, alongside your colleagues, for an important celebration of journalistic excellence on 12 November.”
