Best investigative/enterprise feature (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes outstanding original investigative or enterprise reporting. Entries should demonstrate in-depth research, strong storytelling and significant public impact. Judges will evaluate the quality of reporting, originality, depth of investigation and effectiveness of digital presentation.
Best investigative/enterprise feature (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes outstanding original investigative or enterprise reporting. Entries should demonstrate in-depth research, strong storytelling and significant public impact. Judges will evaluate the quality of reporting, originality, depth of investigation and effectiveness of digital presentation.
Best investigative/enterprise series (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes an outstanding multi-part series that showcases original investigative or enterprise reporting. Entries should demonstrate in-depth research, strong storytelling and significant public impact. Judges will evaluate the quality of reporting, originality, depth of investigation and effectiveness of digital presentation.
Best investigative/enterprise series (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes an outstanding multi-part series that showcases original investigative or enterprise reporting. Entries should demonstrate in-depth research, strong storytelling and significant public impact. Judges will evaluate the quality of reporting, originality, depth of investigation and effectiveness of digital presentation.
Best collaborative investigative/ enterprise reporting (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes impactful investigative or enterprise journalism produced through collaboration between two or more news organizations. Entries should uncover significant information not readily apparent to the public, with reporting that leads to greater understanding or accountability. Judges will assess depth of research, originality, storytelling quality and the effectiveness of the partnership in achieving journalistic impact.
Best collaborative investigative/ enterprise reporting (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes impactful investigative or enterprise journalism produced through collaboration between two or more news organizations. Entries should uncover significant information not readily apparent to the public, with reporting that leads to greater understanding or accountability. Judges will assess depth of research, originality, storytelling quality and the effectiveness of the partnership in achieving journalistic impact.
Best news or event feature (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes outstanding feature reporting focused on a significant news event or issue. Entries may be a single story or a series that provides depth, context and human insight into current events. Judges will evaluate storytelling quality, originality, relevance and the use of multimedia elements to enhance audience understanding.
Best news or event feature (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes outstanding feature reporting focused on a significant news event or issue. Entries may be a single story or a series that provides depth, context and human insight into current events. Judges will evaluate storytelling quality, originality, relevance and the use of multimedia elements to enhance audience understanding.
Best business reporting (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors excellence in reporting on business, finance or economic issues. Entries may cover breaking developments, industry trends, corporate accountability or consumer impact. Judges will assess clarity, depth of reporting, originality and the ability to explain complex topics to a broad audience.
Best business reporting (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors excellence in reporting on business, finance or economic issues. Entries may cover breaking developments, industry trends, corporate accountability or consumer impact. Judges will assess clarity, depth of reporting, originality and the ability to explain complex topics to a broad audience.
Best business/finance column (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes a column or commentary site that offers insightful, engaging and authoritative commentary on business and financial topics. Entries should demonstrate a distinctive voice, original analysis and consistency in quality and relevance. Judges will consider writing style, timeliness and value to readers.
Best business/finance column (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes a column or commentary site that offers insightful, engaging and authoritative commentary on business and financial topics. Entries should demonstrate a distinctive voice, original analysis and consistency in quality and relevance. Judges will consider writing style, timeliness and value to readers.
Best news/political column (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors a column or commentary site that delivers thoughtful analysis and commentary on news or political issues. Entries should showcase originality, clarity of perspective and a strong editorial voice. Judges will evaluate the blog’s ability to inform, engage and provoke meaningful public discourse.
Best news/political column (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors a column or commentary site that delivers thoughtful analysis and commentary on news or political issues. Entries should showcase originality, clarity of perspective and a strong editorial voice. Judges will evaluate the blog’s ability to inform, engage and provoke meaningful public discourse.
Best use of AI in digital journalism (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes innovative uses of AI, machine learning or automation to enhance journalism. Entries may include AI-assisted reporting, automated transcription or translation, personalization tools or editorial workflow enhancements. Judges will look for impact, transparency and responsible innovation.
Best use of AI in digital journalism (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes innovative uses of AI, machine learning or automation to enhance journalism. Entries may include AI-assisted reporting, automated transcription or translation, personalization tools or editorial workflow enhancements. Judges will look for impact, transparency and responsible innovation.
Best use of data/infographics (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes excellence in visual storytelling through data-driven graphics and interactive elements. Entries should demonstrate clear, impactful design that enhances audience understanding of complex topics. Judges will evaluate how effectively the data is sourced, organized and presented, as well as the creativity, accuracy and visual clarity of the final product.
Best use of data/infographics (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes excellence in visual storytelling through data-driven graphics and interactive elements. Entries should demonstrate clear, impactful design that enhances audience understanding of complex topics. Judges will evaluate how effectively the data is sourced, organized and presented, as well as the creativity, accuracy and visual clarity of the final product.
Best use of data transparency (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes projects that go beyond data visualization to promote transparency in data sourcing, methodology and editorial decisions. Entries should demonstrate how the outlet built trust by showing their work to the audience.
Best use of data transparency (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes projects that go beyond data visualization to promote transparency in data sourcing, methodology and editorial decisions. Entries should demonstrate how the outlet built trust by showing their work to the audience.
Best use of social media/crowd sourcing (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors the news organization that demonstrates the most effective, innovative and engaging use of social media to connect with audiences, distribute content and build brand loyalty. Judges will consider creative execution, platform-specific strategy, audience growth and engagement, use of multimedia and measurable impact on reach and storytelling. Entries may include campaigns, ongoing strategies or event-driven initiatives across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, and others. Entrants should include examples of posts, analytics or engagement metrics and a summary explaining the goals, execution and results of the strategy.
Best use of social media/crowd sourcing (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors the news organization that demonstrates the most effective, innovative and engaging use of social media to connect with audiences, distribute content and build brand loyalty. Judges will consider creative execution, platform-specific strategy, audience growth and engagement, use of multimedia and measurable impact on reach and storytelling. Entries may include campaigns, ongoing strategies or event-driven initiatives across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, and others. Entrants should include examples of posts, analytics or engagement metrics and a summary explaining the goals, execution and results of the strategy.
Best social video strategy (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes excellence in short-form video storytelling on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts or similar. Entries should showcase originality, journalistic value and creative adaptation to social-first formats and audiences.
Best social video strategy (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes excellence in short-form video storytelling on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts or similar. Entries should showcase originality, journalistic value and creative adaptation to social-first formats and audiences.
Best innovation project on a website (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes a digital project that uses innovative tools, formats or technology to tell stories in new and engaging ways. Entries should demonstrate creativity, originality and forward-thinking execution that enhances the user experience and expands the boundaries of digital journalism.
Best innovation project on a website (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes a digital project that uses innovative tools, formats or technology to tell stories in new and engaging ways. Entries should demonstrate creativity, originality and forward-thinking execution that enhances the user experience and expands the boundaries of digital journalism.
Best community service project/reporting (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors journalism that drives positive change by addressing pressing issues within a specific community. Entries may include a single story or a series focused on public service, civic engagement or local impact. Judges will assess the project’s relevance, depth and measurable outcomes.
Best community service project/reporting (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors journalism that drives positive change by addressing pressing issues within a specific community. Entries may include a single story or a series focused on public service, civic engagement or local impact. Judges will assess the project’s relevance, depth and measurable outcomes.
Best news or event feature video (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Celebrates compelling video storytelling that covers a significant news event or human-interest feature. Entries should demonstrate strong reporting, clear narrative structure and impactful visuals. Judges will consider originality, depth and how effectively the video conveys the story.
Best news or event feature video (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Celebrates compelling video storytelling that covers a significant news event or human-interest feature. Entries should demonstrate strong reporting, clear narrative structure and impactful visuals. Judges will consider originality, depth and how effectively the video conveys the story.
Best investigative/enterprise video (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes outstanding video journalism that uncovers new information or provides deep analysis of a significant issue. Entries should reflect thorough reporting, compelling visual storytelling and strong editorial judgment. Judges will evaluate the depth, originality and societal impact of the work.
Best investigative/enterprise video (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes outstanding video journalism that uncovers new information or provides deep analysis of a significant issue. Entries should reflect thorough reporting, compelling visual storytelling and strong editorial judgment. Judges will evaluate the depth, originality and societal impact of the work.
Best sports video (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors exceptional video storytelling focused on sports news, athletes, events or culture. Entries should feature strong visuals, narrative clarity and originality. Judges will assess how well the video captures the essence of the subject while informing or inspiring the audience.
Best sports video (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors exceptional video storytelling focused on sports news, athletes, events or culture. Entries should feature strong visuals, narrative clarity and originality. Judges will assess how well the video captures the essence of the subject while informing or inspiring the audience.
Best podcast (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Celebrates excellence in audio or video-based storytelling delivered in episodic form. Entries should demonstrate compelling narrative structure, production quality and audience engagement. Judges will consider originality, relevance and how effectively the format enhances the story or topic.
Best podcast (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Celebrates excellence in audio or video-based storytelling delivered in episodic form. Entries should demonstrate compelling narrative structure, production quality and audience engagement. Judges will consider originality, relevance and how effectively the format enhances the story or topic.
Best photojournalism on a website (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes powerful visual storytelling through photography published on a digital platform. Entries may include a single photo, photo essay or slideshow that complements or leads a story. Judges will assess composition, narrative impact and how effectively the images convey emotion and meaning.
Best photojournalism on a website (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes powerful visual storytelling through photography published on a digital platform. Entries may include a single photo, photo essay or slideshow that complements or leads a story. Judges will assess composition, narrative impact and how effectively the images convey emotion and meaning.
Best editorial/political cartoon (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors the use of editorial or political cartoons to offer insightful, thought-provoking commentary on current events. Entries should reflect originality, clarity of message and visual impact. Judges will evaluate artistic quality, relevance and the cartoon’s ability to spark public reflection or debate.
Best editorial/political cartoon (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors the use of editorial or political cartoons to offer insightful, thought-provoking commentary on current events. Entries should reflect originality, clarity of message and visual impact. Judges will evaluate artistic quality, relevance and the cartoon’s ability to spark public reflection or debate.
Best newsletter strategy (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes innovative uses of AI, machine learning or automation to enhance journalism. Entries may include AI-assisted reporting, automated transcription or translation, personalization tools or editorial workflow enhancements. Judges will look for impact, transparency and responsible innovation.
Best newsletter strategy (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes innovative uses of AI, machine learning or automation to enhance journalism. Entries may include AI-assisted reporting, automated transcription or translation, personalization tools or editorial workflow enhancements. Judges will look for impact, transparency and responsible innovation.
Best incorporation of sponsored/branded content (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes the effective integration of sponsored or branded content within a news or media website. Entries should deliver value to the audience, as well as benefit to the sponsor/advertiser, while maintaining editorial integrity and a clear distinction from traditional content. Judges will evaluate creativity, transparency, user engagement, and alignment with the publisher’s brand.
Best incorporation of sponsored/branded content (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes the effective integration of sponsored or branded content within a news or media website. Entries should deliver value to the audience, as well as benefit to the sponsor/advertiser, while maintaining editorial integrity and a clear distinction from traditional content. Judges will evaluate creativity, transparency, user engagement, and alignment with the publisher’s brand.
Best cause marketing/corporate social responsibility campaign (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors a digital campaign that promotes a charitable cause or social issue in partnership with a brand or business. Entries should demonstrate meaningful impact, strong storytelling and alignment between the campaign’s message and the media outlet’s audience. Judges will assess creativity, effectiveness and ethical presentation.
Best cause marketing/corporate social responsibility campaign (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors a digital campaign that promotes a charitable cause or social issue in partnership with a brand or business. Entries should demonstrate meaningful impact, strong storytelling and alignment between the campaign’s message and the media outlet’s audience. Judges will assess creativity, effectiveness and ethical presentation.
Best promotional/marketing campaign (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes a strategic digital campaign designed to grow audience, boost brand visibility or promote a specific initiative. Entries may include social media activations, cross-platform promotions or content-driven outreach. Judges will consider originality, execution, measurable results and alignment with organizational goals.
Best promotional/marketing campaign (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes a strategic digital campaign designed to grow audience, boost brand visibility or promote a specific initiative. Entries may include social media activations, cross-platform promotions or content-driven outreach. Judges will consider originality, execution, measurable results and alignment with organizational goals.
Best audience engagement strategy (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes effective efforts to meaningfully involve audiences in the journalistic process. Strategies may include crowdsourcing, call-outs, surveys, interactive comment platforms or community-building initiatives. Judges will look for creativity, responsiveness and measurable engagement impact.
Best audience engagement strategy (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes effective efforts to meaningfully involve audiences in the journalistic process. Strategies may include crowdsourcing, call-outs, surveys, interactive comment platforms or community-building initiatives. Judges will look for creativity, responsiveness and measurable engagement impact.
Best community-led journalism (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Celebrates journalism that is guided by, co-created with or significantly influenced by the communities it serves. Entries should show how the community played a role in story selection, framing, reporting or distribution.
Best community-led journalism (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Celebrates journalism that is guided by, co-created with or significantly influenced by the communities it serves. Entries should show how the community played a role in story selection, framing, reporting or distribution.
Best civic engagement event (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors a news organization for hosting an event that meaningfully advanced civic dialogue, public awareness or community problem-solving. Whether focused on elections, local issues, town halls or service journalism, entries should demonstrate how the event informed and empowered the community while aligning with the publication’s journalistic mission. The focus is public service and community impact
Best civic engagement event (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors a news organization for hosting an event that meaningfully advanced civic dialogue, public awareness or community problem-solving. Whether focused on elections, local issues, town halls or service journalism, entries should demonstrate how the event informed and empowered the community while aligning with the publication’s journalistic mission. The focus is public service and community impact
Best audience engagement or brand-building event (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes a news outlet for hosting an event that deepened audience connection and enhanced brand visibility. Whether through celebrations, educational forums, meet-the-journalist events or creative community experiences, entries should show how the event expanded brand loyalty and audience trust.
Best audience engagement or brand-building event (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Recognizes a news outlet for hosting an event that deepened audience connection and enhanced brand visibility. Whether through celebrations, educational forums, meet-the-journalist events or creative community experiences, entries should show how the event expanded brand loyalty and audience trust.
Best revenue-generating community event (1 million or more monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors a news organization for producing an event that successfully blended community engagement with business goals. Judges will consider sponsorships, ticket sales, partnerships and overall strategy behind events that generated revenue while delivering journalistic or brand value to attendees. The focus is monetization and sustainability.
Best revenue-generating community event (Fewer than 1 million monthly unique homepage vistors)
Honors a news organization for producing an event that successfully blended community engagement with business goals. Judges will consider sponsorships, ticket sales, partnerships and overall strategy behind events that generated revenue while delivering journalistic or brand value to attendees. The focus is monetization and sustainability.
