Shafta Awards: Celebrating the Worst of British Tabloid Journalism
In the high-pressure world of British media, where the race for a scoop often outweighs the need for accuracy, there exists a unique tradition dedicated to the failures of the press. The Shafta Awards are annual honors given to recognize the very worst in tabloid journalism, serving as a satirical mirror to the industry's most egregious errors.
The Origins of the Princess Margaret Awards
Established in 1987, the awards were born out of a specific instance of journalistic failure. The catalyst was a story published by the Daily Star titled "Princess Margaret to appear in Crossroads," written by Geoff Baker and Pat Codd. Because of this particular blunder, the honors are also frequently referred to as the "Princess Margaret Awards."
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What began as an informal gathering in a pub eventually evolved into a recognized, albeit ironic, tradition within the industry. While the awards faced a hiatus between 1997 and 2001, they were later revived by Sean O'Brien, the showbiz editor for The People.
The Ethos of Fleet Street Satire
The awards capture a specific culture of Fleet Street—the traditional heart of the British press. The spirit of the Shaftas is perhaps best summarized by a quote often used by host Johnny Vaughan, attributed to a tabloid journalist who told a colleague: "Fuck the facts, just quote a friend - the pub's open in 10 minutes."
Even those honored by the awards have acknowledged the absurdity of the profession. Piers Morgan, who received a lifetime achievement Shafta in 2005, noted that the awards celebrate the ability of intelligent, well-educated, and street-smart journalists to behave like "complete and utter numbskulls."
Notable Winners and Controversies
Over the years, several prominent figures in British media have been recognized for their contributions to tabloid absurdity. Lifetime achievement awards have been granted to Sean Hoare in 2004 and Piers Morgan in 2005.
Beyond lifetime achievements, the awards often highlight specific failures in reporting. In 2002, James Desborough received the "can we hear the tape? award for verbatim quotes" following an interview with George Martin. This award followed allegations by Salon.com that the interview contained a fabricated quote.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1987 |
| Alternative Name | Princess Margaret Awards |
| Purpose | To honor the worst in tabloid journalism |
| Key Figures | Piers Morgan, Sean Hoare, Sean O'Brien |
| Hiatus Period | 1997–2001 |
Key Facts
- The awards were founded in 1987 following a Daily Star story about Princess Margaret.
- They are designed to mock the lack of factual rigor in tabloid reporting.
- Piers Morgan and Sean Hoare are both recipients of lifetime achievement awards.
- The awards were revived in 2001 by Sean O'Brien of The People.
- The "can we hear the tape?" award specifically targets issues with verbatim quoting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Shafta Awards?
The Shafta Awards are annual British awards that satirically honor the worst examples of tabloid journalism.
Why are they called the Princess Margaret Awards?
They are so named in honor of a 1987 Daily Star story by Geoff Baker and Pat Codd which erroneously claimed Princess Margaret would appear in the show Crossroads.
Who is Piers Morgan in relation to these awards?
Piers Morgan is a winner of a lifetime achievement Shafta, which he received in 2005.
When were the awards not held?
The awards were not held between 1997 and 2001 before being revived by Sean O'Brien.
What is the "can we hear the tape?" award?
It is an award given for failures in verbatim quoting, notably won by James Desborough in 2002 following a disputed interview with George Martin.