Wan-Ifra is conducting virtual World News Media Congress 2021, which was finalized for the dates 29 November – 2 December. On 30 November, the juries evaluated the awards, and the winners for the Congress were announced at the event.
The winners of the 2021 Digital Media Awards Worldwide demonstrate that successful news publishers understand their audiences expect excellence at every level – engaging storytelling, powerful images, and purposeful design that combine to add insight and meaning to consumers’ lives. Likewise, the most effective services and campaigns are highly focused on the needs of users.
The Wan-Ifra’s Digital Media Awards Worldwide is the news media industry’s only truly global digital media competition. The winners are selected from the regional Digital Media Awards handed out by Wan-Ifra in 2021 in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America, and South Asia. The competition provides news publishers with a regular showcase of best-practice innovation in digital publishing worldwide.
Local juries evaluate the regional awards, and the winners go forward to the global competition, which is adjudicated by a different set of judges.
Winners of Wan-Ifra Digital Media Awards 2021
Best Data Visualization
Agência Lupa, Brazil – No Epicentro (At the epicenter)
“Fantastic topic. Great narrative arc! – engages very much because the reader really gets engaged (my neighborhood). And obviously, they understand their job and digital. My favorite,” said one of our judges.
Best in Audience Engagement
Infoglobo, Brazil Coronavirus coverage without paywall
“Special mention goes to illustrated guides – a simple and popular solution for impactful storytelling,” noted one judge.
Best Digital Marketing Campaign for News Brand
Verdens Gang AS, Norway – “What the….”?
“Powerful campaign and I liked the playfulness of the social media versions, and the Snapchat filter. Clever to have a strapline that would be in everyday usage,” wrote one judge. Said another, “Great campaign – especially the broad multimedia approach. And the messaging aligns beautifully with tabloid media.”
Best Native Advertising / Branded Content Campaign
Forbes, US – leading small businesses through uncertainty
“The numbers are impressive, but the impact of this project on the target audience is really amazing! Edutainment at its best,” said a judge.
Best News Website or Mobile Service
The Washington Post, USA – Reimagining The Washington Post Reader Experience
“Live updates have never been more important, and The Washington Post’s updated template is relevant and useful to the user,” commented one judge. “The visually attractive discover tab is a feather in The Washington Post’s cap. A beautiful execution from a world-class team.” Noted another – “Impressed by tech – design clearly created towards much more engagement and helping users to prioritize. In regards to value for users, WP is already on a very high level in regards to the breadth of content and quality.”
Best Paid Content Strategy (including paywall, membership, or crowdfunding models)
The Globe and Mail, Canada – Fully dynamic, real-time, personalized paywall
“An outstanding entry and it is brilliant to see that it exceeded expectations and goals by a significant margin. Congratulations!” wrote one judge. Noted another – “What Globe and Mail did is state of the art – absolute fantastic job. I appreciate most that The G&M permanently tested against the Old paywall, so those results are really sustainable! Well done!”
Best Project for News Literacy
Asociación de Periodismo de Investigación Ojo Público, Perú Chequeos en lenguas
“There is no way in which I can imagine this project being improved – other than organic improvements going forward,” stated a judge. “It also responds in an extremely creative way to the news literacy needs of a marginalized community, and in particular a marginalized community that news innovation projects have traditionally ignored. Congratulations.”
Best Use of Online Video (including VR)
VGTV, Norway – Tarjei’s experiment
“Truly a ‘modern documentary for an online audience.’ The hour-long documentary dissected into online/mobile-friendly episodes retains user interest and is fit for purpose,” wrote one judge. “Tarjei is a compelling protagonist whose story was handled with compassion and care by the talented editorial team. Bravo to VG’s multimedia team!”
