Celebrating bold ideas, breakthrough strategies and measurable impact in local media.

Thanks to our contest sponsor Upland/Second Street, contest entries are FREE!

All work submitted should be from calendar year 2025. The deadline to enter is Feb. 14, 2026.

Journalism & Storytelling Innovation
Innovative Storytelling Award
Recognizes creative use of new formats — from podcasts and newsletters to interactives, video, and AI-assisted projects — that enhance the way audiences experience local journalism. Submit your entry here.

Audience & Community Engagement
Community Engagement Award
Celebrates or initiatives that build stronger relationships with audiences through trust-building, dialogue, transparency or civic participation. Submit your entry here.

Audience Growth Strategy Award
Recognizes smart, measurable strategies that grow reach, retention or loyalty — from newsletters to social media campaigns to innovative marketing. Submit your entry here.

Youth & Emerging Audiences Award
Honors fresh approaches that connect with younger or nontraditional news consumers, expanding the pipeline of future local news audiences. Submit your entry here.

Public Service & Community Impact Award
Celebrates journalism initiatives with measurable positive impact on local communities — from civic engagement and accountability reporting to health and education projects. Submit your entry here.

Revenue & Business Model Transformation
Advertising & Sponsorship Innovation Award
Celebrates creative branded content, sponsorships or advertising strategies that deliver value to partners while supporting journalism. Submit your entry here.

Subscription & Membership Innovation Award
Recognizes new or enhanced approaches to growing recurring reader revenue and deepening member relationships. Submit your entry here.

New Revenue Stream Award
Honors bold experimentation beyond traditional advertising and subscriptions — including philanthropy, events, e-commerce and other entrepreneurial models. Submit your entry here.

Best Contest and/or Promotion Award
Recognizes a contest or promotion that was above and beyond expectations. Submit your entry here.

Technology & Product
Product Innovation Award
Recognizes the launch of new tools, platforms, apps or content products that improve newsroom operations, enhance consumer experiences or advance sustainability. Submit your entry here.

Most Innovative Use of AI in a News Organization Award
Celebrates a news organization that has demonstrated a groundbreaking approach to integrating artificial intelligence into journalism. Submit your entry here.

People & Leadership
Honors leaders whose vision, creativity and execution are driving meaningful transformation in local media.
– Innovator of the Year (Individual) – Recognizes a leader driving transformation in local media. Submit your entry here.
– Rising Star in Innovation (Individual) – Recognizes an early-career professional making a big impact with fresh ideas. Submit your entry here.