The 2025 Annual General Meeting of the Sports Journalists’ Association was held on Thursday 12 June; Philip Barker and James Green step down from committee, with Laurie Palacio joining; in Chair’s report, Ashley Broadley reflects on a year of evolution and modernisation for the SJA…
The Sports Journalists’ Association held its Annual General Meeting on 12 June 2025.
Following the approval of the minutes from last year’s AGM, SJA Chair Ashley Broadley shared his Report looking back on the previous 12 months.
He discussed the successful shift in how the SJA British Sports Awards are announced, as well as the continuing evolution of the SJA British Sports Journalism Awards.
“It has been another year of change and innovation,” said Broadley, before adding: “We will also continue to change and grow, and we would welcome any feedback as we all have one ambition – to promote our shared passion for telling stories about sports.”
You can read the SJA Chair’s Report in full here.
The Treasurer’s Report was also delivered, and the accounts approved.
Stepping down from the SJA Committee are Philip Barker and James Green, described as “two exceptional stalwarts” by SJA President Darren Lewis.
“The Committee is unanimous in its appreciation for Philip and James,” said Lewis.
“Both men have been crucial to the effective running and continued growth of the Association over more than a decade and will be sorely missed.
“They will always be a part of the SJA family.”
‘First-class’ stint for more than 20 years for Barker
Philip Barker joined the Committee in May 2004. He was the founding chairman of judges for the Broadcast section of the SJA British Sports Journalism Awards until 2019, and became Secretary of the Association the following year.
Lewis said: “Philip isn’t just an unsung hero as Secretary, he is also our ambassador, representing the SJA on the European stage.”
Broadley also paid tribute, saying: “Philip’s passion for sports journalism and his commitment to the SJA has been first class.
“He should be very proud of his time as Secretary, in which his knowledge of the industry has shone through and he has particularly banged the drum on behalf of freelancers.
“You only need to be in his company for a matter of minutes before you realise his love for the Olympics, for which he has an encyclopaedic knowledge and remains a great ambassador. Thank you, Philip.”
Green ‘proud of impact’ on Sports Journalism Awards
James Green has been an integral part of the SJA machine since 2014, known across the entire sports media industry for not only delivering both of the Association’s major annual awards events but also for his logistical and administrative expertise.
In recent years, he also stepped up to take on the role of Treasurer.
“It has been a privilege to work on the SJA events over the past decade,” he told the AGM. “This is a great industry, with great people.
“Over the years, I am particularly proud of the impact we have had on the Journalism Awards. When I first came on board, this was a 300-person event staged at the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden.
“Fast forward to this year, and the Journalism Awards in March was attended by over 750 people and recognised excellence across writing, digital, broadcast, photography and social media. The event had a much more diverse audience than when we started.
“I would like to thank the SJA committee who have always been a great support, and I look forward to seeing the association flourish in the coming years.”
Lewis said: “James is the man to whom every SJA member, guest, nominee and winner over the last 11 years owes a debt of gratitude for his diligence and his management skills, ensuring awards night in March and our sports awards in November run effectively.
“His impact on the SJA has been incalculable. We wish him well for the future.”
Broadley echoed the sentiments, saying: “For more than a decade, James has been the driving force behind the SJA’s major awards, as well as supporting and organising our other events.
“His contribution to the SJA is immeasurable. An outstanding professional with a tireless work ethic, James will be deeply missed by everyone at the SJA and we extend our heartfelt thanks and warmest wishes to him for the future.”
Palacio on board with SJA committee
Joining the Committee for the next cycle is Laurie Palacio, the managing director of Tongue Tied Management (TTM).
Laurie spent two decades at talkSPORT, where he played a central role in shaping the radio station – working across production, programming, and talent development. From the early days of the network’s rise to mainstream prominence, he helped launch major shows and podcasts, build audience engagement across multiple audio and visual platforms, and nurtured a generation of on-air talent.
In 2023, Laurie made the move into sports representation, becoming MD of TTM. The agency represents a growing roster of high-profile athletes and broadcasters, with a strong emphasis on women’s sport and a global outlook. At TTM, Laurie leads on strategy, partnerships, and commercial growth, bringing his media experience into a new chapter of sports storytelling and talent management.
He has proudly supported the SJA in many of its endeavours, whether as an awards entrant, category winner, judge, and now as a committee member.
Sports Journalists’ Association 2025/26
Officers
President: Darren Lewis
Chair: Ashley Broadley
Vice-Chair: Leon Mann
Secretary: TBC
Treasurer / Events: TBC
General Committee
Kathryn Anastasi, Jon Batham, Louise Beltrame-Bawden, Carrie Brown, Paul Gilham, Jon Holmes, Laurie Palacio, Mayowa Quadri, Emma Smith, Brian Spicer, Rachel Steinberg, James Toney, Howard Wheatcroft, Laura Williamson.
To learn more about the SJA Committee, visit our ‘Meet the Team’ page here