ITV News Correspondent Sejal Karia was named Journalist of the Year at the 2026 Asian Media Awards.
Broadcasters and journalists joined the stars of screen and stage at the 14th ceremony in Manchester on Friday October 30.
The awards which are supported by the University of Salford honoured nominees in a range of categories and with seven recipients of special awards.
Actress Bhavna Limbachia presented the final award of the night.
Sejal said: “Speechless doesn’t quite cut it I really am shocked.
“It is a huge privilege to be here in front of such esteemed company and alongside the most amazing journalists.
“I really want to dedicate this award to my mum.
“Thirty years ago as an Asian woman starting out I struggled to find heroes with faces like mine doing this job.
“There is so much further to go but I look around this room and see how far we have come as a community.”
Sejal’s reporting has delivered major exclusives, amplified under-reported voices and scrutinised powerful institutions.
Her ability to build trust with contributors has enabled ITV News to tell stories that might otherwise never be heard. During the qualifying period she has reported on how women being secretly drugged and raped by their husbands and partners and secured documentary evidence that shed new light on both the abuse and the obstacles victims face in securing justice.
Sejal secured the first television interview with Helge Busching, a former associate of Christian Brueckner, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Nine months after Air India Flight 171 crashed, killing 53 British nationals, Sejal brought together grieving families for an ITV News exclusive exposing continuing questions about accountability.
Sejal played a key role in ITV News’ investigation into allegations concerning television presenter Gino D’Acampo and Sejal covered both the aftermath of Pope Francis’s death and the conclave that led to the election of Pope Leo XIV.
