WAN-IFRA Digital Media Awards unify process for 2026
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 22 November 2025 | JP Global Monitoring Desk
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WAN-IFRA is updating its Digital Media Awards for 2026 to a more unified and streamlined process. This change will simplify participation across global markets and ensure fairness in evaluations.Summary
SINGAPORE — The global benchmark for recognizing excellence in digital journalism is set to become even more unified with the latest update to WAN-IFRA’s Digital Media Awards. Long regarded as the most prestigious competition in digital publishing, the awards honor media organizations and publishers behind outstanding digital projects, products, and strategies.
A streamlined and unified process has now been introduced to simplify participation and ensure consistency across global markets.
New structure for 2026
For the first time, all entries will be submitted through a single global platform and follow one unified timeline across every region, including APAC, South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Entrants will submit their work once, and the same submission will be evaluated regionally before top entries advance to the global stage. This approach aims to create a fairer system that highlights impactful digital initiatives irrespective of market size or geography.
Announcements and timelines
Regional finalists will be named between March 13 and 23, 2026, followed by the announcement of global finalists on May 4, 2026. Regional winners will be revealed at WAN-IFRA’s Digital Media regional events, while the global winners will be honored on June 2 during the Awards & Gala Night at the World News Media Congress 2026.
The call for entries closes on December 31, 2025 (Submission deadline extended to 23 January 2026)
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KEY POINTS:
- WAN-IFRA launches a unified global platform for its 2026 Digital Media Awards
- One submission will now compete regionally before advancing to global judging
- The new system streamlines fairness and simplifies participation
- Finalists will be announced in March and May 2026
- Global winners will be revealed at the World News Media Congress on June 2, 2026
