29 October 2025 - 02 June 2026

Digital Media Awards 2026


Final Entry Deadline: 23 January 2026 (CET)!

SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT

 

Who Can Enter

These awards are open exclusively to media organisations — digital-native or legacy — operating at the national, international, regional, or local level. Eligibility is based on geographic scope, not organisational size.

Eligibility Overview

  • Open to national, international, regional or local news organisations, regardless of size. Categories are evaluated within comparable peer groups.
  • Independent creators or early-stage teams may only apply for the Best Emerging News Providers category.
  • Projects must have been launched, implemented, or significantly evolved between 1 January and 31 December 2025.

Timeline

  • Entries open: 29 October 2025
  • Entries close: 23 January 2026 (midnight CET)
  • Regional Finalists: Announced between 13–23 March 2026.
  • Global Finalists: Announced on 4 May 2026.
  • Regional winners: Announced at the Digital Media events:
    • Digital Media LATAM (April 15–16, 2026 | Bogotá)
    • Digital Media Asia (April 22–23, 2026 | Manila)
    • Digital Media India (June 24–25, 2026 | Delhi)
    • Digital Media Europe (tbc)
    • Digital Media Middle East (tbc)
    • Digital Media Africa (tbc)
  • Global Winners: Announced on 2 June 2026 at the World News Media Congress in Marseille, France.

Regions

APAC, South Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Americas.

What’s New This Year

  • New Categories: Check all categories here.
  • One Submission, Regional Focus: Submit once — entries are first considered regionally before advancing globally.
  • Automatic Advancement: Top regional winners progress to global titles.
  • Fair Competition: Entries are evaluated by geographic scope to ensure equitable recognition.

Submission Requirements

Each project must:

  1. Answer all mandatory questions in the entry form.
  2. Optionally include supporting materials (presentations, screenshots, etc.).
  3. Provide KPIs and certified data, signed by a responsible executive when requested.
  4. If shortlisted, supply a 30-second and 5-second video clip for the official awards montage.
  5. Be submitted in English.

Entry Fees

€100 + VAT (if applicable) per entry. Multiple entries are allowed and can be paid in a single transaction.

Fee waivers may be considered where costs pose a barrier to participation.

Key Recommendations

1. Appoint a Coordinator

  • Collect projects from relevant departments (editorial, product, marketing, business).
  • Ensure consistency and quality across submissions.
  • Submit all projects under one account for easier tracking.

2. Download the Forms Before You Start

Once logged in, download each entry form as a PDF to review all required fields in advance and prepare responses offline.

3. Gather All Certified Information

Collect verified data, KPIs, and metrics signed off by a responsible executive where applicable.

Tips for a Strong Entry

  • Read the category definition carefully. Ensure your project fits the category goals.
  • Answer each field clearly and concisely. Each question links to judging criteria.
  • Avoid repetition. Use each section to add depth, not duplication.
  • Support claims with evidence. Include numbers, feedback, or results.
  • Provide context. Explain why the project matters in your market, audience, or environment.
  • Use visuals. Screenshots, slides, or other materials help bring your project to life.
  • Be honest and strategic. Jurors want to understand the “why” as well as the “what” and “how”.

Questions?

If you need assistance or have questions about your entry, contact the WAN-IFRA Awards Team: awards@wan-ifra.org