Each year, the Local Media News, Content and Audience Innovator of the Year award recognizes a high achiever in audience and platform development and has the results to back it up.

Ashley has developed an incredible skillset during her tenure with Black Press Media.

Progressing from a local news reporter in her early days to a provincial reporter, she is now responsible for newsrooms and audience growth. With over 170 reporters/editors and her own provincial team, there is never a dull moment.

Ashley constantly shows incredible tenacity, endurance, emotional intelligence and an unwavering determination to see projects completed.

This last year has been a whirlwind of change for audience generation.

Ashley has an innate ability to deeply understand the needs of the reader and being able to interpret the needs of the business. Her understanding and depth of knowledge across content and business are second to none.

Our judges said this about Ashley’s nomination: “Everyone needs an Ashley Wadhwani-Smith. Wow. The future of this industry depends on the innovators who believe in the power of technology + people to drive both consumer engagement and revenue wins. Ashley is the real deal.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to witness Ashley’s nomination for Innovator of the Year in the LMA Awards. In an industry where innovation is crucial for long-term success, Ashley’s outstanding contributions and efforts truly shine. We extend our heartfelt congratulations on this thoroughly deserved honor!” – Andrew Franklin, Chief Digital Officer, Black Press Media (A division of Carpenter Media Group).

“To receive this award is an incredible honor. It’s true that journalism has undergone so much disruption, and I feel so proud to be a part of a team that transforms change into opportunity. I would be remiss to not thank Andrew Franklin and Taryn Liebholz for thinking of me for this award, as well as my family for their endless support.

Our world needs credible journalism more than ever, and I’m continuously in awe of my colleagues who put their hearts and souls into this important work with unwavering passion.” – Ashley Wadhwani-Smith