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Online Media Awards judges outline what makes an online winner

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By The Drum Team, Editorial

November 17, 2010 | 4 min read

The Online Media Awards will identify the very best in online and digital news provision regardless of size and budget. Our New York-based judge Mark McSherry outlines what he will be looking for from large and small online providers alike.

The Online Media Awards have been launched by The Drum to recognise online media brands and content on a global basis and will identify the best and boldest of online news-based creativity. An internationally-based judging panel covering the UK, North America, Europe and Asia Pacific has now been assembled to pour over the entries early in 2011.

Speaking of what he will be looking for from media brands judge Mark McSherry said: "Content, content and content. In that sense, nothing has changed. I'm looking for content that is entertaining, educational and informative and content that is designed and presented in a way that engages the reader, whether it is written content, video, film, sound, or all of the above.

"To entrants, I would say this -- by all means show me that you are using new and social media digital distribution to full effect, but also show me that what you distribute is worth distributing. The story is still the thing."

Speaking about the importance of the Online Media Awards, McSherry's fellow judge Beijing-based journalist and PR professional Chris Mullinger said: "Hopefully, the Online Media Awards will highlight the importance of ethical and professional standards, separating online media from much of the internet dross.

"From my point of view the website www.chinasmack.com has been a delight. Vibrant and updated daily, this site is full of well illustrated articles translated into English - the majority by mainland Chinese netizens in response to current hot topics, pictures, or videos. While not perfect, it provides a pretty good idea of how Chinese netizens react, feel, or think - something that people in many other countries should be more aware of. The internet is a wholly different world here in China."

Likewise judge David Mill from Mediaco in Dundee said of the Online Media Awards: "These Awards provide a level playing field for entrants, large or small, to be recognised. The various categories provide entrants with the opportunity to display creativity, talent and innovation. I expect to see some exceptional examples of cutting edge New Media combined with traditional skills."

Media companies wishing to enter are advised to do so before December 24th 2010 so that they can take advantage of a 30% discount on entry price. The Online Media Awards categories include:

• Technical Innovation

• Best Site for Journalism

• Breaking News

• Best Specialist Site for Journalism

• Best Campaigning / Investigative Journalism

• Best Topical Reporting

• Best Commentary/Blogging

• Best Video Journalism

• Best Designed site

• Best Twitter feed

• Best Use of Social Media

• Best Use of Crowd Sourcing or Citizen Journalism

• Best Use of Audio

• Best Use of Photography

• Best Commercial Innovation

• Digital Writer of the Year

• Best Podcast

Deadline for entries is 11 February 2011. For more information please contact Kim Baran on 0141 559 6063 or by email. For sponsorship opportunities please contact Lynn Lester on 0141 559 6074 or by email.

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