My first experience of The Rory Peck Awards was really moving. For many of my colleagues, 2004 was the fourth ceremony that they had attended, and the prevailing view amongst them, was just how much the event has grown and matured. Insights from freelancers and short documentaries on The Trust’s valuable work were a new and very welcome addition to the programme. It was good to see so many prominent news figures supporting the awards and appreciating what a difficult task the freelance community take on.

On a personal note, I thoroughly enjoyed the evening – I met a group of amazing, determined freelancers who all spoke spiritedly of their work, and warmly of The Trust. It was a genuine honour for me to announce that Sony will be sponsoring the award ceremony for the next three years.

And of course, congratulations to all the winners – particularly Philip Cox, the recipient of The Sony International Impact Award, who proved a real star as our guest at News Xchange event in Portugal just a week after the awards.

Naomi Climer

Director, Professional Services

Naomi Climer and Sony International Impact Award winner Philip Cox

Finalists 2004

Martin Adler, winner Rory Peck Award for Hard News, and Ron McCullagh, winner Freelancers' Choice Award

Saira Shah accepting the Rory Peck Award for Features on behalf of James Miller

Finalists Ruhi Hamid, Sara Nason and Tara Sutton

Finalists Inigo Gilmore, Marc Perkins and Tara Sutton

Sorious Samura

Gwynne Roberts

Martin Adler, Tara Sutton and Jane Regan with Kate Adie