This contest recognizes the best in local digital media in categories such as best local website, best contest and/or promotion, most innovative use of AI in a news organization and more. It is a highly competitive contest designed to recognize both large and small media companies for their outstanding and innovative work. 

Thanks to our supporting sponsors, contest entries are FREE!

All work submitted should be from calendar year 2024. The deadline to enter is Feb. 14, 2025.

Best Local Website, sponsored by Newspack

This award recognizes the best all-around local media websites. Judges will consider all aspects including user and customer experience, site design and organization, brand continuity, content (is it local and relevant?), use of photos, graphics and video, opportunities for user engagement, presentation of advertising, mobile adaptability, and more. Entries should include a link to the website along with a letter that makes a case for the best local website, addressing improvements in the last year, such as relaunch or redesign, audience growth, traffic referral shifts, or technological achievements. Judges will be looking for creative, intuitive, and robust websites beautifully designed with strong local content. Click here to submit your entry.

Best Contest and/or Promotion, sponsored by Upland/SecondStreet

This award will recognize a contest or promotion that was above and beyond expectations. The entry should include a link to the promotion and detailed information on results, including revenue and ROI for the advertiser. Be sure to include anything else that makes this stand out — did you attach an event to it, for example? Did the experience open the door to other opportunities? The more detail, the better. Judges will be looking for creativity across media, engagement with the community, and fantastic results. Click here to submit your entry.

Best Local Newsletter / Email Strategy, sponsored by BlueLena

While the death of email has been long-predicted, it’s turned into one of the most significant growth areas for many publishers, bringing with it new engagement opportunities and ways to bring in additional revenue. This award will honor the best strategies related to email campaigns designed to connect local news consumers with content right in their inboxes. Submissions should include examples of emails sent (ideally, a link to the archived web version), call-to-action signups, and ongoing promotion, along with any metrics or revenue numbers that show success in critical areas. Click here to submit your entry.

NEW for 2024: Most Innovative Use of AI in a News Organization, sponsored by Alliance for Audited Media

This category celebrates a news organization that has demonstrated a groundbreaking approach to integrating artificial intelligence into journalism. Entries should showcase innovative uses of AI that enhance the accuracy, speed, and depth of news reporting while upholding ethical standards. This might include AI-driven tools for data analysis, automated news generation, enhanced content personalization, advanced audience insights, or unique AI applications for combating misinformation. The winning entry will exemplify how AI can expand the impact of journalism, engage audiences in new ways, and drive the future of news storytelling. Click here to enter this category.

Note: This category description was created by ChatGPT

NEW for 2024: Most Innovative Content Initiative

This category honors a local media company that has launched a unique and impactful content initiative, elevating community journalism through creativity and strategic thinking. Entrants should demonstrate how their initiative brought fresh perspectives to local storytelling, fostered community engagement, and addressed key topics or needs within their audience. This could include multimedia projects, special series, interactive storytelling, or other creative approaches that amplify local voices and increase public involvement. The winning entry will illustrate how innovative content can deepen community connections and reflect the heart of local journalism. Click here to enter this category.

NEW for 2024: Most Innovative Revenue or Sponsorship Idea

This category recognizes a local media company that has developed an inventive approach to generating revenue or securing sponsorship, helping to sustain and grow its journalism in an evolving media landscape. Entries should showcase unique revenue strategies that go beyond traditional advertising, such as creative partnerships, membership models, branded content, events, or subscription services tailored to their local audience. The winning entry will demonstrate a forward-thinking model that not only supports financial sustainability but also aligns with the mission of serving the community. Click here to enter this category.

NOTE: All the above categories will have two judging classifications (pending the number of entries): Less than 250,000 monthly unique visitors, and 250,001 and more monthly unique visitors.

Best R&D Partner

Media companies, this is your chance to share an R&D company/industry provider that helped drive new digital revenue and results for your company: the more detail, the better. Judges will be looking to reward partners that have been vital in helping local media companies drive new digital revenue or create efficiencies in their operations. The entry should also address how the R&D partner went above and beyond in training, installation, troubleshooting, and support. The entry should specifically explain how tools an R&D partner provided helped you achieve a goal. Click here to submit your nomination.

Digital Innovators of the Year

News, Content and Audience 

This digital media industry leader will be focused on the content side of the business. They should be a high achiever in audience development, platform development; and have the results to back it up. A letter from the top news executive in the company or CEO should include examples of their work and results. Click here to submit your nomination.

Revenue/Strategy/Sales

We are looking for a digital media rock star delivering fantastic results for their company by pioneering new concepts and experimenting in new and creative ways. This award is focused on digital revenue growth. This individual has showcased innovation, resilience and significant achievements in sales or advertising – with the numbers to back it up. A letter from the CEO or a senior-level executive should make a case for why this person is the most deserving digital media executive in North America. Click here to submit your nomination.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR CONTEST SPONSORS.

Interested in sponsoring? Contact Lindsey.Estes@localmedia.org for more information.