African journalists are invited to submit their projects to stand a chance of being crowned the most innovative in Africa. The awards recognise innovative storytellers and publishers who adopt digital media and mobile strategies to meet the major changes in how people consume news and information today.
Winners will be automatically entered to compete for the Global Media Awards.
The African Digital Media Awards are the most prestigious digital news awards on the African continent and are presented by WAN-IFRA, the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers.
The Awards are in various categories including Best News Website or mobile Service for general news including mobile web and apps, as well as desktop. Entries for this category must demonstrate combined excellence in content and UX, as well as value to readers and advertisers. Innovative design, the use of multimedia (such as audio, video, infographics, photography, etc) to better tell the story, speed of access and the service’s overall contribution to revenue goals will also be taken into consideration.
The Best in Lifestyle, Sports, Entertainment Website or mobile service is for dedicated lifestyle, sports or entertainment products including mobile web and apps, as well as desktop. Entries must demonstrate combined excellence in content and UX, as well as value to readers and advertisers. Innovative design, the use of multimedia (such as audio, video, infographics, photography, etc) to better tell the story, speed of access and the service’s overall contribution to revenue goals will also be taken into consideration.
The Best use of Online Video (including VR): entries for this category should demonstrate an ability to relate a story in a concise and objective way and improve the reader experience and engagement with the news brand. There should be consideration of the appropriate video format for specific platforms (e.g. Facebook vs YouTube). The technical quality of the shooting and realisation as well as the possible emotional and aesthetic impact of the video will also be taken into consideration.
Best Data Visualisation, should demonstrate excellence in design, usefulness and clarity of information conveyed on infographics, in the context of (for example) breaking news or non-breaking news, information or entertainment. Special attention will be paid to creativity and visual impact, as well as the effectiveness on mobile devices.
Best Paid Content Strategy (incl. pay wall, membership or crowd funding models)
Best new paid content initiative (via subscription, membership or crowd funding), with the aim of increasing revenue from readers. Entries should demonstrate understanding of brand strengths, clarity for the reader or customer, and an effective call to action.
Entries for Best Native Advertising/Branded Content Campaign should demonstrate added value to readers/users through excellence in content marketing across multiple platforms. Entries will be measured on creativity, effective use of each media platform, brand voice and providing the best user experience in a post-ad blocking media environment.
For the Best Digital News Start-up category, open to all independent news-related startups or larger news publishers launching new businesses or spin-offs, entries should demonstrate clear value to their target market, stand out from the crowd and be able to outline a current or future business model.
Best in Social Media Engagement expects entries which demonstrate an original offering, measurably grow user engagement, make best use of the relevant social media platform, and actively reflect the voice and tone of the news brand.
The Best Digital Marketing Campaign for News Brand category is open for publishers’ marketing campaigns for their own news brands. Entries should have clear messaging, an effective social strategy, strong brand voice and efficient targeting.
Entries for Best Digital Project to Engage Younger and / or Millennial Audiences must demonstrate strong evidence of the publishing company’s success in engaging youth audiences (especially children and teenagers) around any kind of initiative, including but not limited to news literacy, editorial and public service.
Registration is online and takes three steps including registering an account, commencing the application (ensure you save it in-progress), and submitting the entry to be qualified to participate. Interested applicants should go to https://wan-ifra.awardsplatform.com/
Deadline for submission of entries is July 12, 2019.
Awards will be presented to winners in the evening following the first day of Digital Media Africa, the continent’s premiere digital innovation and revenue conference.
