WASHINGTON, D.C., August 31, 2009 - Finalists for the 2009 Online Journalism Awards, many pushing the envelope of innovation in digital storytelling and information sharing, were announced today by the Online News Association and its partner, the School of Communication at the University of Miami.
A team of 12 journalists representing a diverse cross-section of the industry met Aug. 27 and 28 at the university’s Coral Gables, Fla., campus to select the finalists, which range from independent and nonprofit news and community sites to major media and international organizations. The winners will be announced at the 2009 ONA Conference and Online Journalism Awards Banquet on Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Hilton San Francisco.
“We were regularly awed, inspired and delighted by the quality and innovation evident online today,” said Anthony Moor, Deputy Managing Editor of The Dallas Morning News, who, along with AP Digital’s Director of Online Services Ruth Gersh, co-chairs the Online Journalism Awards Committee.
This year, changes were introduced to acknowledge the important role of emerging technology, the influence of the independent digital journalist and the growth of community reporting efforts. Six awards now come with a total of $30,000 in prize money, courtesy of the Gannett Foundation and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and the General Excellence in Online Journalism Award was expanded to include “micro sites.”
Eric Scherer, Director of Strategic Planning, Agence-France Presse
Tenny Tatusian, Associate Editor, latimes.com
Matt Thompson, Interim Online Community Manager, Knight Foundation
Molly Wood, Executive Editor, CNETTV.com
Judges were recused from discussing categories in which their own organization or organizations they are associated with were entered.
This year is the first in a partnership with the University of Miami's School of Communication, which utilized its state-of-the-art resources to facilitate the judging process. Under Beckman's direction, the school will highlight the work of winners during the awards presentation and continue to share best practices throughout the industry.
“Our partnership with ONA confirms our commitment to cutting-edge journalism education and our support for the online journalism industry,” Beckman said. “It was a great beginning to a partnership that benefits everyone and further helps us all define standards for journalism excellence.”
Launched in May 2000, the OJAs are administered by the Online News Association, in partnership with the University of Miami’s School of Communication. This year’s honorees will be announced on Oct. 3, the final night of ONA09, the Online News Association Conference and Awards Banquet, held Oct. 1-3 in San Francisco.
For more information, contact: Jane McDonnell Executive Director 646-290-7900 director@journalists.org
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