We are delighted to introduce a new honor to the Online Journalism Awards—the Online News Association’s annual showcase of the best work and most inspiring people in digital journalism. The Impact Award honors a trailblazing individual whose work in digital journalism and dedication to innovation exhibits substantial impact on the industry. The ONA Board of Directors will select honorees regardless of their tenure in journalism and involvement with the ONA.
The Impact Award joins a prestigious awards showcase that includes 21 categories that were open for submissions and three honors for individuals or small groups selected by special committees.
This new award emerged from conversations around the Rich Jaroslovsky Founder Award. Established in 2004, the Founder Award honors senior-level individuals who have made a significant impact through their journalism work and commitment to the mission, values and vision of ONA. Over the years, it has become increasingly apparent that ONA needs to recognize industry impact beyond the people who directly support the organization. We are grateful to ONA’s Awards and Recognition Committee and the rest of the Board of Directors for their collaboration to establish this important opportunity to celebrate digital journalism innovators.
We will announce the inaugural recipient of the Impact Award during the Online Journalism Awards celebration Friday, Oct. 15. If you are attending ONA Insights in person in Philadelphia, head to the Wyeth Ballroom at 4 p.m. for the 2021 OJAs reception, generously supported by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. To join the celebration remotely, watch a livestream of the winners announcement from 4:30 p.m. EDT (20:30 UTC) and follow @ONA and #OJA21.
The Online News Association was founded in 1999 as a forum for digital news pioneers to collaborate on common challenges and encourage the highest journalistic standards. Become an ONA member or make a donation to sustain our mission to inspire and support innovation and excellence in digital journalism.
To learn about the latest training opportunities and resources from ONA, subscribe to the ONA Weekly newsletter and follow us on Twitter @ONA.
To explore partnerships, promotional opportunities and other ways to invest in ONA’s programs and events, contact Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer Jessica Strelitz at jessica@journalists.org.