BASC’s Conor O’Gorman wins Media Contributor of the Year award

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Image by: Matt Kidd

February 18, 2026

BASC’s Dr Conor O’Gorman was named Media Contributor of the Year at the British Shooting Show Awards 2026, recognising his work to raise awareness of key issues facing shooting and conservation today.

Conor is a regular contributor to Shooting Times magazine and ShootingUK, where he writes about pressing matters affecting the sector, including firearms licensing delays and reform, and the transition to lead-free ammunition.

He also covers wildlife management and conservation, helping readers understand the practical and political challenges shaping shooting across the UK.

Reacting to the award, Conor said: “Thank you to everyone that voted for me. There are so many positive stories to tell about shooting and we should be loud and proud of what we do, especially on the conservation front. If you have a story to tell, or there’s something you think we should be talking about, do get in touch.”

A busy show

The award was presented during a busy three days at The Great British Shooting Show, one of the key dates in the shooting calendar, where BASC was well represented both on the stand and on stage.

BASC chief executive, Ian Bell, took part in panel discussions alongside deputy director of shooting and operations, Terry Behan, and BASC’s head of member experience, Rachel Marklew, reinforcing the association’s role in representing shooting at a national level.

BASC’s stand welcomed members, supporters and newcomers from across the country. Our firearms team dealt with a steady stream of detailed enquiries, including licensing wait times, proposals to move shotguns onto Section 1 certificates and the transition to lead-free ammunition.

Visitors also spoke to staff about gamekeeping, conservation initiatives, training opportunities and the work BASC is carrying out to influence policymakers, while being on hand to assist those working on the ground.

Terry Behan said: “The Great British Shooting Show is always a highlight in the shooting calendar and a fantastic opportunity for the shooting community to see new and emerging technologies, meet up with friends and seek advice.

“The popularity of the show was clear from the number of people attending over the three days, and BASC’s stand was consistently busy. We answered a huge number of enquiries, with our dedicated firearms team proving particularly popular. It was also a great chance for us to catch up with partners and sector-leading brands.”

For more information about shows, events and courses coming up this year, visit our dedicated pages here.