News Innovators Win Big at 2025 Awards

Kraków, Poland – The world’s most innovative news publishers were celebrated this week at the 2025 Digital Media Awards, presented during WAN-IFRA’s World News Media Congress. The awards, judged by a panel of international media experts, highlighted a diverse range of projects demonstrating how news organizations are leveraging digital tools to enhance journalism and engage audiences. A total of 674 entries from South Asia, APAC, Africa, Europe, and the Americas were considered.

The awards underscored a clear trend: successful publishers aren’t simply adapting to the digital landscape, they’re actively reshaping it. Vincent Peyrègne, CEO of WAN-IFRA, noted the awards serve as a vital counterpoint to the often-discussed challenges facing the news industry, showcasing “living proof that professional news organisations are on the rise.”

Several projects stood out. La Nación of Argentina received recognition for its investigation into President Javier Milei’s rhetoric, utilizing AI to analyze 142 speeches. Reuters was honored for its 3D visualization of a fatal Valencia high-rise fire, highlighting safety concerns. FAZ.NET of Germany earned praise for a website relaunch featuring personalized content and dynamic paywalls, demonstrably boosting engagement and subscriptions.

Innovation extended to revenue models, with the South China Morning Post’s SCMP Plus platform successfully attracting a high-value audience with exclusive China-focused content. The United Daily News in Taiwan demonstrated the power of AI in boosting advertising performance and user interaction. Fact-checking also received its due, with Chequeado of Argentina’s project tracking presidential promises proving a valuable accountability tool.

Beyond traditional formats, VG of Norway redefined election coverage with mobile-first, interactive live streams, while Daily Maverick of South Africa gamified political manifestos to engage young voters. The Hindu of India’s anniversary campaign blended culture and community to deepen audience connection. Podium Podcast from PRISA Media in Chile topped Spotify charts with an immersive biographical podcast.

The judging panel, comprised of leading figures like Chris Janz, Gregor Waller, and Angie Drobnic Holan, emphasized the importance of effective strategies and a commitment to journalism that informs, engages, and serves communities.

These awards aren’t merely accolades; they’re a roadmap for the future of news. In an era of misinformation and declining trust, the winning projects demonstrate the power of innovative storytelling, data-driven insights, and audience-centric approaches. The industry’s ability to not only survive but thrive hinges on embracing these principles and continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital journalism. The focus on audience engagement and new revenue streams is particularly encouraging, signaling a proactive approach to securing the long-term sustainability of quality news.