The Online News Association, the world’s largest membership organization of digital journalists, today announced a partnership with the University of Miami’s School of Communication to co-sponsor the Online Journalism Awards (OJAs), emblematic of the best in online journalism.
“In this, our 10th year, we’re excited to begin a long-term relationship with the university’s School of Communication, acknowledged as an emerging leader in multimedia training and education,” said ONA President Jonathan Dube, Vice President of ABCNews.com.
In August, the University’s Coral Gables campus will be host to a panel of industry-leading journalists and new media professionals who will choose the OJA winners from among finalists in 13 categories. The University will use its state-of-the-art resources, including video, to highlight award winners and their work during the judging process and the awards ceremony, and to continue to share best practices throughout the industry. Winners will be announced at the Online Journalism Awards Banquet, held the final night of ONA’s annual conference in San Francisco, Oct. 1-3.
“Our partnership with ONA, the most important online news organization in the world, is another reflection of the commitment of our School to play a leadership role in the development of the future of journalism,” said Dean Sam Grogg. “Along with our renowned continuing education workshops, our new graduate program in multimedia journalism and our Knight Center for International Media, ONA is the perfect new partner to help the school become a leader in journalism education.”
Shortly, ONA will open entries for the 2009 OJAs and also announce changes which acknowledge the important role of emerging technology, the influence of the independent digital journalist and the growth of community reporting efforts.
The OJAs, first awarded in 2000, are the only comprehensive set of prizes honoring excellence in digital journalism. Past winners have included major media, international and independent sites and individuals producing innovative work in multimedia storytelling.
“We are delighted to be associated with multimedia pioneer and digital educator Rich Beckman and the University of Miami program,” said ONA Board member Anthony Moor, Awards Committee Chair and Deputy Managing Editor/Interactive at The Dallas Morning News. “They will ensure academic oversight and rigor in our judging process, add depth to the judging and help put the award winners into a true multimedia context.”
The Online News Association is the world’s largest association of online journalists. ONA’s mission is to inspire innovation and excellence among journalists to better serve the public. The membership includes news writers, producers, designers, editors, bloggers, technologists, photographers and others who produce news for the Internet or other digital delivery systems, as well as academic members, students and others interested in the development of online journalism.
The University of Miami School of Communication prepares analytical and responsible communication professionals for success in a global society. The School offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in journalism, broadcasting, advertising, public relations, visual journalism, communication studies and motion pictures. The School’s state of the art, all-digital facilities and resources are among the most advanced in the country. Approximately 1,500 students are enrolled.
For more information, contact:
Jane McDonnell, Executive Director Online News Association director@journalists.org
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