The Digital Innovation Awards recognize the best in digital media, including innovative and outstanding local website designs and strategies.
At Newspack, we support the growth of independent, digital newsrooms. We’re honored to announce the Best Local News Website award winners.
The Baltimore Banner: For sites with more than 250,000 monthly unique visitors
For its outstanding commitment to excellence in journalism and blending traditional reporting with contemporary elements of design, multimedia and innovation in news-gathering techniques and presentation, the Baltimore Banner wins first place in the over 250,000 monthly unique visitors category.
Based in Baltimore, Maryland, the Banner’s mission is to be the most essential and compelling news resource for the people of Maryland. Their successful use of short-form vertical video carousels, community commenting, integration of interactive polls, and in-depth reporting makes the Banner a model for a commitment to community engagement, journalistic integrity, and innovative spirit.
The Southeast Missourian and Local News Matters: For sites with fewer than 250,000 monthly unique visitors
There are two winners in the less than 250,000 monthly unique visitors category.
The Southeast Missourian wins for its impressive use of AI to facilitate its journalism and reader experience.
Based in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the Southeast Missourian serves communities in the southeast areas of the state. They built an AI chatbot and support tools to support their journalists and readers. And they created automated feeds from AP and sister publications to keep the content of the site consistently updated. All of these tools have a simplistic and elegant design that works well across mobile and desktop platforms.
The second winner in this category is Newspack publisher Local News Matters for its beautifully designed website, use of photos, original graphics, easy-to-navigate special sections, and innovative use of web tools.
Local News Matters is part of the Bay City News Foundation that serves the greater San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. LNM’s website is consistent and cohesive across sections and pages. And their smart use of picture tiles on the main page and interactive maps enhances navigation and provides an engaging reader experience.
Second Place (fewer than 250,000 monthly unique visitors): Connecticut Public (Hartford, CT)
Website: ctpublic.org
Connecticut Public’s website is a masterclass in integrated digital storytelling. Combining local journalism, audio streams, PBS video content and visual features, the site offers users multiple pathways to engage with important state and community issues. The homepage balances live content, curated features, and easy-to-navigate categories.
Sections like Black Voices and Somos CT demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion, with content available in multiple languages and tailored for underserved communities. The site’s infrastructure was also overhauled to support OTT, donor management and interactive educational tools — all reflecting a bold, audience-first strategy in public media.
Second Place (more than 250,000 monthly unique visitors): The Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, CA)
Website: pressdemocrat.com
Serving Northern California’s North Bay, The Press Democrat earned second place for its compelling visual journalism and fast, responsive updates during regional crises like floods and wildfires. Their multimedia approach stands out — live blogs, immersive “Big Story” layouts and video elements enhance engagement and clarity.
Stories are smartly designed for mobile, and the newsroom uses visual hierarchy and color-coding (green and blue icons) to indicate breaking or premium content. With 1.2 million monthly users — more than double the population of its core county — the site demonstrates the power of thoughtful UX and editorial discipline.
Third Place (more than 250,000 monthly unique visitors): VTDigger (Montpelier, VT)
Website: vtdigger.org
Recognized for its adaptability and digital resilience, VTDigger redesigned its site to better respond to crises, such as the 2023 Vermont floods. In 2024, it expanded interactivity and user involvement, including an election guide, live traffic feeds and user-submitted content.
Its design reflects the priorities of transparency and access, allowing Vermonters to engage deeply with real-time and long-form journalism. VTDigger also makes smart use of newsletters and campaign prompts to build audience loyalty.
Third Place (fewer than 250,000 monthly unique visitors): Mirror Indy (Indianapolis, IN)
Website: mirrorindy.org
Mirror Indy’s rapid rise since its December 2023 launch earned it a third-place nod. The site is community-focused, visually intuitive and packed with local context. With no paywall and high engagement rates, the site fosters access and connection.
Features like Mirror Indy Votes provide hyper-local election information, while its resource-focused storytelling encourages civic action. Collaboration is also central — content is built to be republished, helping other outlets fill coverage gaps across Indianapolis.
Honorable Mention (fewer than 250,000 monthly unique visitors): PublicSource (Pittsburgh, PA)
Website: publicsource.org
PublicSource stands out for its investigative depth and strong design elements that support data-rich storytelling. Its content spans explainers, maps, databases, and long-form narrative work — all shared freely via a republishing tool embraced by other outlets.
The newsroom partners widely — across Pittsburgh and nationally — and is known for its tangible civic impact. Neighborhood landing pages and localized engagement efforts round out a website designed for public service, clarity, and trust.
“In a world where journalism is constantly under threat, it’s inspiring to see local newsrooms like these winners stepping up to the challenge. By embracing digital strategies, they’re serving their communities when their communities need them the most,” said Kinsey Wilson, founder of Newspack.
Congratulations to the winners! Keep up the great work and dedication to the communities you serve.
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Newspack is a project of WordPress.com, with support from the Google News Initiative, the Knight Foundation, and The Lenfest Institute. It is an open source technology and services platform that is home to nearly 300 independent news organizations around the globe. It was developed by journalists and technologists to help local news organizations serve their communities and find a path to financial sustainability.