IRIE FM’s Shanice Gibbs nominated for PAJ 2025 National Journalism Awards

IRIE FM News journalist, Shanice Gibbs has been selected as a nominee for the Press Association (PAJ) 2025 National Journalism Awards.

Ms. Gibbs is nominated for submissions in 2 categories, Best Radio Feature / Documentary and Award for Excellence in Reporting on Health & Wellness.

One of her submissions is “Behind the Journalists Mask, Covering Tragedies.”

Aired last March, it focused on how journalists cope with the trauma of covering tragic incidents, because oftentimes, the impact on them is overlooked.

This special feature was done in observation of Mental Health Awareness Month.

The other submission is, “Phones Copping Out, Police Stations & Dispatchers Under Scrutiny.”

Aired last July, this 3 part investigative feature focused on challenges citizens faced with contacting the police via the emergency number, as well as the issues the Jamaica Constabulary Force deal with, to include, crank calls.

The investigation was done over a one and a half year period.

In response to the concerns raised, the JCF has since reported improvements with the number of calls answered.

Ms. Gibbs is a senior news journalist with about 10 years of experience, with a specialty for business / fiance matters.

This is her first PAJ nomination.

The National Journalism Week, observed under the the theme: “Truth Always”, began on March 1 and will culminate with the awards ceremony on Saturday March 7.