Entries are now open for the 2026 WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards, a global competition recognizing excellence in digital publishing. The annual awards, organized by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), have been a highly regarded industry event for nearly two decades.
Originally launched in Europe and then expanded to Asia-Pacific, the Digital Media Awards quickly gained international recognition and became a worldwide competition within four years. Since its inception, the awards have recognized news publishers who excel in their work and deliver unique and original digital news projects.
The Digital Media Awards continue to inspire publishers around the world each year, showcasing the best and most innovative projects on an international stage. This year, as the news media industry faces unprecedented challenges and transformations, the awards stand as a collective commitment to support publishers and propel the industry forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
The competition features 12 categories that cover key areas of digital news innovation, and is open to media organizations of all sizes. From emerging digital natives to established brands, all are encouraged to submit meaningful digital initiatives launched, implemented, or significantly evolved between January 1 and December 31, 2025.
In addition to the regional and global categories, WAN-IFRA has introduced a new category this year: Best Emerging News Providers. This category, part of WAN-IFRA’s Future Audience Initiative, aims to recognize the work of rising news organizations and independent news creators both regionally and globally. The initiative also includes a three-pillar global program designed to support established news organizations, independent news creators, digital-native publishers, and emerging media voices who may not have access to professional networks and representation.
Entries for the Digital Media Awards can be submitted through the WAN-IFRA awards platform until December 31 at 23:59 CET. Full guidelines, category requirements, and submission criteria can be found on the website.
For more information, please contact Sumithra Hönig, Director of Global Sales & Events at WAN-IFRA, at awards@wan-ifra.org.
