Media Pride is inviting nominations for the people and stories that strengthened LGBTQIA+ representation in Australian media during 2026. From a sharp investigation to a quietly brilliant creator or ally, the call spans big outlets and tiny independents. Here’s what the group wants to recognise, and how to put forward a name before nominations close.
Essential Takeaways
- The focus: Media Pride wants to recognise people and stories that contributed positively to LGBTQIA+ representation in Australian media during 2026.
- What can be nominated: Examples include reporting, screen moments, written and audio work, creators, media professionals and allies.
- Who can nominate: Individuals may nominate themselves or their own team, as well as others.
- How to submit: Email a suggestion with a brief explanation and, if available, a link to the work.
- The deadline: Nominations close on Monday 16 November at 5 pm.
Media Pride wants to hear what made you proud
A news investigation that got the story right, a casting choice that felt worth celebrating, or a creator championing queer lives: Media Pride’s call for nominations casts a wide net across Australian media.
TV Tonight reports that the industry collective is looking to recognise contributions made during 2026. The invitation reaches beyond high-profile programmes and publications, welcoming work from large organisations and small independent outlets, both on screen and behind the scenes.
That breadth matters. Representation can be shaped by a headline-grabbing moment, but it can also come from steady, thoughtful work that doesn’t make much noise.
Who and what can be nominated?
The suggested nominations include accurate news reporting and investigations, memorable storylines or reality-TV moments, and articles, books, podcasts or videos that champion LGBTQIA+ people. Journalists, producers, presenters and creators are all in scope, as are allies who stood up for the community.
Media Pride’s website describes the organisation as a collective working to make LGBTQIA+ voices visible, heard and accurately represented across Australian media. It also highlights networking and industry connection, offering useful context for a call that recognises contributions from many roles and platforms.
Representation comes in more than one form
Media awards and recognition programmes can value both the work itself and the people behind it. Media Diversity Australia, for instance, describes awards recognising reporting that contributes to coverage of diverse communities and issues, while Meridian’s separate media award focuses on work that informs, inspires or mobilises audiences on issues affecting communities it serves.
The Trans Visibility Awards 2026 also show how recognition can span creative work, advocacy and community contributions. And JOY Media’s account of finalists in the separate GLOBE Victoria Pride Awards includes presenters, newsreaders, advocacy and station contributions. These are different programmes, but together they offer a reminder that visibility can be built through many kinds of work.
Make a nomination clear and easy to follow
TV Tonight says nominations should be emailed with a line or two explaining why the work or person deserves recognition. Add a link if you have one, so the contribution is easy to find. The announcement also says self-nominations and nominations of your own team are welcome.
A useful submission can be simple: name the person or work, say what made it meaningful, and include a link where possible. The deadline given is Monday 16 November at 5 pm, so it’s worth allowing time to send the email before the closing hour.
Small contributions can move the dial
Media Pride’s invitation isn’t limited to polished, prominent work. It specifically welcomes contributions from behind the scenes and from independent outlets, making room for the people whose influence may be felt more than it is seen.
That feels like a fitting way to think about representation: sometimes it’s a single story that changes a conversation, and sometimes it’s the consistent care of the people making sure LGBTQIA+ voices are heard at all.
If someone’s work made Australian media feel more inclusive this year, this is the moment to tell Media Pride why.
Source Reference Map
Story idea inspired by: [1]
Sources by paragraph: