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BBC wins award for Katie Simpson murder documentary

Family handout A close up image of Katie Simpson, a girl with long brown hair, smiling at the camera. Family handout
Katie Simpson died in August 2020

The BBC has won an award for a documentary about the murder of showjumper Katie Simpson at an awards ceremony in London.

BBC Northern Ireland picked up the Nations and Regions Award for Spotlight: Katie – Coerced and Killed at the Amnesty Media Awards.

The 12 categories commended the most outstanding human rights journalism of the last year.

Other winners included Channel 4, Financial Times, ITV News, BBC Eye Investigations, The Guardian and BBC Radio 4.

Emily Mudie Photography Two women smile at the camera, holding an award. The woman on the left is wearing a patterned dress and has blonde hair. The woman on the right has brown hair and wears a cream blazer.Emily Mudie Photography
Producer Imelda Lynch (left) and reporter Jennifer O'Leary (right) at the awards ceremony

The awards ceremony took place at the BFI Southbank in London on Wednesday night.

It was hosted by actor, writer and director Jolyon Rubinstein and featured a performance by singer Emeli Sandé.

The Nations and Regions Award is supported by the Players of the People's Postcode Lottery.

Emily Mudie Photography A woman in a black top sings on stage. She wears a colourful necklace. There is a microphone in front of her.Emily Mudie Photography
Singer Emeli Sandé performed at the awards ceremony

This year, the award ceremony shone a spotlight on the dangers that journalists often face to expose human rights issues.

At least 124 journalists and media workers were killed in 2024, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, with 70% of those a result of Israeli military action in Gaza and Lebanon.

A special award for Outstanding Contribution to Human Rights Journalism was presented to Al-Jazeera's Gaza bureau chief, Wael Al-Dahdouh , who gave a speech during the ceremony.

'Breathtaking journalism'

Amnesty International UK chief executive Sacha Deshmukh said "some truly breathtaking journalism" was highlighted during the ceremony.

He said this was "proof that good human rights reporting is absolutely essential for exposing injustices and holding power to account".

"Journalism is far more than just reporting on the facts - it can instigate very real, concrete change that impacts peoples' lives across the planet.

"At a time when journalists around the globe are under increased attack and at risk of being silenced, it is more important than ever to champion their work and make a stand for press freedom."