Audio storytelling can engage communities and enhance narratives with stories, advice and key learnings they are passionate about.

This award recognises the best use of audio through standalone products, enhancements to existing content, or part of a wider publisher series. Entries can include podcasts, audiobooks, and narrated or translated content for example.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• Excellent audience engagement and listening figures in the context of specialism universe size (could include listener growth, retention, reviews, community interaction, etc)
• Innovation and creativity (fresh formats, inventive audio design and production techniques for example)
• Compelling and original content which meets the needs of the target audience
• Long term sustainability in line with brand objectives, and detail of how the audio supports the wider business strategy

Digital products and services continue to transform how audiences engage with brands — and how publishers operate behind the scenes.

This award recognises the brilliant digital products created by media brands and publications that create, delight, enhance user experience, or provide meaningful improvements to internal operations and workflows.

Entries can include websites, data enhancements, platforms, apps, membership portals, internal tooling and archives, and other digital tooling (there are separate categories for audio, video and newsletters).

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• Innovation and creativity in approach 
• Effective product development, planning, and execution
• Impressive metrics and audience engagement (i.e. revenue/ audience growth, improved user experience)
• A strong commercial performance or internal operational efficiencies (i.e. financials, adoption, time savings etc)
• Strategic value and how the product contributes to the brand/publication success against objectives

The impact of AI is rapidly changing the way publishers and media brands create content and operate their businesses.

AI isn’t just one thing, but a raft of technologies that cover the spectrum of audience experiences such as personalisation, search, workflow tooling, content enrichment, data modelling, predictive analytics, translation, and new forms of creative production - to name a few.

This award recognises the most innovative, responsible and effective uses of AI to create new products, provide value to audiences, strengthen editorial or commercial performances, or celebrates what AI is doing to help with operational efficiency.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• Innovation and creativity
• The benefit and outcomes of the use of AI
• Metrics and performance aligned to goals (detail objectives, adoption, etc)
• What experience, capability, or technology was enhanced by the use of AI?
• Methodology and approach (was it created inhouse, partnership, other / what are the training methods used, how was it implemented and adopted?)
  

The best business publications are trusted sources of insight, intelligence and analysis, helping professionals navigate change, make informed decisions and stay connected to their industry.

This award recognises a business publication or market intelligence product that has demonstrated editorial excellence, strong audience engagement and commercial success while delivering genuine value to its sector.

Entries can be either print or digital titles and products, which are published regularly, including those supported by newsletters, data, multimedia or community-led content.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• Editorial excellence - authoritative, accurate and expert content
• A clear understanding of audience needs, with evidence of how the brand informs, supports or connects its community
• Brand and product quality (strong editorial presentation, design and user experience across relevant platforms)
• Innovation and creativity (new ideas, formats, products or approaches that have strengthened the publication or enhanced the audience experience)
• Commercial performance and results
• Impact - what evidence and metrics can you share that show your publication has delivered on its KPIs?

The strongest partnerships deliver measurable results for the advertiser while engaging the publisher’s specialist audience with clarity, creativity and purpose.

This award recognises successful and impactful collaboration between an independent publishing business and commercial partner(s) that has promoted a product, marketing service initiative, or brand through one or multiple platforms be it print, digital, newsletters, social media, events, video, audio, content marketing, or other audience experiences.

The winning entry will show how both parties worked together to meet shared goals, create value for the target audience, and demonstrate innovation, effectiveness and return on investment across multiple channels.

Entries should clearly demonstrate: 

• Deep audience and community understanding
•  Strategic collaboration (clear objectives, shared goals and delivery against the brief) 
• Strong commercial performance and demonstrable ROI on agreed objectives
• Creativity and innovation (original thinking, effective use of platforms, and creative execution)
• Significant traction among the target audience

This award recognises a consumer title that consistently gets it right for its audience. Featuring strong design, engaging and high-quality editorial, a deep understanding of its customer, and meaningful audience engagement.

Judges will look for those who demonstrate excellent performance in its field and use a combination of platforms, innovation, and smart audience insight to deliver a market-leading performance.

Entries can be either print or digital titles, which are published regularly.

Entries should clearly demonstrate the following:

• Understanding of the needs of its target audience and evidence of how content/ products are tailored to meet their interests
• A strong commercial performance and impact
• Editorial excellence and design (high-quality content, supported by strong presentation and a distinctive brand identity)
• Audience engagement – effective use of relevant platforms to build audience loyalty, grow communities and encourage meaningful engagement.
• Innovation in responding to the changing dynamics of its market

Note: publications do not have to exist in print.

Standout covers remain one of the most powerful expressions of a brand's identity. Whether visually striking, thought-provoking, beautifully crafted, or headline grabbing, the best covers capture attention, communicate a compelling story and create a lasting impression.

This award is for the outstanding front covers that are simply unmissable, that display bold creativity and editorial clarity, capture audience attention, and which really deliver that 'magical magazine moment'.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• An instant visual impact with imaginative use of design, photography, typography, and/or illustration
• A clear and compelling concept that communicates the issue's editorial content and reflects the publication's voice and values
• Evidence that the cover resonated with its intended audience and supported the publication's objectives, whether attracting new readers, engaging loyal audiences or strengthening brand recognition.
• Results and impact (evidence of sales, subscriptions, readership, social reach, and other measurable outcomes.
• How the cover reinforces and enhances overall brand positioning

Note: brands/publications may enter multiple front covers.

A great designer really understands their audience and brings to life the essence and personality of their publication or brand.

This award is open to exceptional Creative Directors, Art Directors or Designers whose vision, craft and strategic thinking have elevated a publication or brand. The winning entrant will demonstrate how design has strengthened audience connection, enhanced storytelling and contributed to the overall success of the brand

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• Evidence of how the design work has played a key part in the overall success of the brand/publication
• Excellent use of photography, typography, layout, illustration, visual storytelling etc
• Innovation and creativity which push boundaries
• Evidence of how design choices respond to audience needs, behaviours and expectations
• How the design work translates across all platforms for the brand/publication

Note: Individuals may enter this category once under one brand/publication only

This award recognises a company, brand, or publication that is making a meaningful contribution to creating a more inclusive industry, workplace or audience experience.

This can be via a product, campaign, brand extension, magazine, event, workplace culture/ business practice, or anything which tackles inequalities and dismantles barriers across the business and beyond.

The winning entry will demonstrate a genuine commitment to creating positive change whether that be through supporting underrepresented communities, widening access to publishing, improving workplace culture, or using the power of media to influence conversations and drive progress.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• The values that underpin efforts to make either the sector you serve, or your own publishing operations, more inclusive
• What it is that you wanted to achieve
• Evidence of audience, industry, or workplace impact (i.e. internal policies, workplace culture and mental health, how actions have influenced changes in sector, accessibility, or opportunity)
• Examples of collaboration with other businesses, networks, or communities to advance D&I within your sector or business area
• Purpose and commitment on how D&I is part of the long-term business strategy

Strong editorial vision is at the core of a successful brand. This award recognises the editor of a media brand or title whose dedication, audience understanding, leadership, and vision has delivered trusted, engaging, and influential content.

The winning editor will demonstrate a commitment to editorial excellence, innovation, and building meaningful connections with audiences across platforms. Their editorial strategy will have enhanced brand positioning and exceeded business objectives.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• How their overall leadership and vision has enhanced the success of the brand/publication
• Editorial excellence and trusted content that informs, engages, and builds credibility
• Innovation and development of new formats, ideas, or approaches that have strengthened the brand or expanded reach
• Understanding of and engagement with the market and/or audience
• Impressive results including audience reach and commercial performance

Note: Individuals may enter this category once under one brand/publication only.

This award recognises an outstanding piece of editorial content that demonstrates exceptional storytelling, creativity and audience value.

Whether its purpose was to inform, educate, inspire or challenge perspectives, the winning entry will demonstrate editorial excellence, originality and a meaningful connection with its intended audience.

Entries may include a feature, investigation, interview, report, essay, column, video, podcast episode or other editorial work published on any platform.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• Editorial excellence, exceptional writing, reporting, storytelling or production that delivers genuine value to its intended audience
• Evidence of audience engagement, influence or meaningful response (appropriate to the publication's reach and objectives)
• Originality, creativity, and a compelling approach to the subject matter
• Research, credibility, and authoritative content

Events bring our brands to life, allowing interaction with customers, strengthening connections with peers, and forging closer ties with key audiences.

This award will recognise an outstanding event demonstrating exceptional execution, creativity, commercial results, and impact which can be either in-person, hybrid, or online.

Entries can include but are not limited to an exhibition, awards, conference, experiential event, festival, celebration or anniversary, community event, or any bespoke event, at which a B2B media brand or publisher brings together its target audience.

The event can either stem from an existing parent brand or be a wholly standalone experience.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• Evidence of innovation and creativity in relation to event format and execution
• Well researched, meaningful, and useful content
• Commitment to sustainability and ED&I
• Significant audience reach and/ or strong commercial performance in line with business objectives (partnerships, lead generation, audience growth, revenue figures, impact)
• How the event serves the audience beyond the day itself
• Deep levels of engagement with the target audience

Events bring our brands to life, allowing interaction with customers, strengthening connections with peers, and forging closer ties with key audiences.

This award will recognise an outstanding event demonstrating exceptional execution, creativity, commercial results, and impact which can be either in-person, hybrid, or online.

Entries can include but are not limited to an, awards, conference, experiential event, festival, celebration or anniversary, community event, or any bespoke event, at which a B2C media brand or publisher brings together its target audience.

The event can either stem from an existing parent brand or be a wholly standalone experience.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• Evidence of innovation and creativity in relation to event format and execution
• How the event strengthens the brand positioning/ identity
• Commitment to sustainability and ED&I
• Significant audience reach and/ or strong commercial performance in line with business objectives (partnerships, lead generation, audience growth, revenue figures, impact)
• How the event serves the audience beyond the day itself Deep levels of engagement with the target audience

This award is to recognise an individual who has made a significant and lasting impact within their business, team, or the sector within which they work.

This award celebrates the bold and visionary individuals who have challenged conventions, transformed the publishing landscape, and inspired others with their remarkable achievements.

Open to individuals across all job functions, we encourage entries from digital, commercial, audience growth, marketing, events, operational and central functions, those in leadership positions, and more.

Please note: you can enter yourself or nominate a colleague. There are specific categories for creative directors and editors.

Entrants should clearly demonstrate:

• Impact and personal contribution to the overall business vision and strategy
• Innovation and initiative with examples of new ideas, solutions, and approaches
• Evidence of leadership and influence whilst supporting and motivating others within the business (even if not in a leadership role)
• Market knowledge and understanding of audience to enhance value

Let’s hear it for the small but mighty independent publisher, a business that punches above its weight delivering an impressive performance and making significant contributions to the publishing landscape.

This celebrates the resilience, creativity, and impact of independent publishing companies with a publishing turnover of less than £5 million per annum.

The winning company will demonstrate a clear understanding of its market and audience, a strong and sustainable business strategy, and the ability to adapt and thrive in a changing media landscape.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• Knowledge of the market and understanding/ meeting of the needs of its audience
• Strong business performance and growth
• Innovation and new developments which elevate the company above its competitors
• Ongoing commitment to its community, customers and/or audiences
• How it adapts and responds to market changes (new products, services, approaches that strengthen company position for the future)
• Commitment to sustainability, ED&I and supporting the company workforce
  
  

This award celebrates the best of the best – an independent publishing company that has delivered a market-beating performance and is a true example of a business delivering at at every level across editorial, audience engagement, innovation, commercial performance, product, operations, and business growth.

The winning company will demonstrate a clear understanding of its market and audience, a strong and sustainable business strategy, and the ability to adapt and thrive in a changing media landscape.

Entries are open to businesses with an annual publishing turnover of between £5-15 million.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• Knowledge of the market and understanding/meeting of the needs of its audience
• Strong business performance and growth
• Innovation and new developments which elevate the company above its competitors
• Ongoing commitment to its community, customers and/or audiences
• How it adapts and responds to market changes (new products, services, approaches that strengthen company position for the future)
• Commitment to sustainability, ED&I and supporting the company workforce
  

This award celebrates the partners to the industry with an exemplary record of customer service, who regularly over-deliver, go the extra mile, ensure challenges are overcome with minimal fuss and proactively suggest initiatives that deliver.

Entries are open to any organisation that supports the industry via a product, platform or service – from distribution and fulfilment to digital publishing, training, subscription management, printing, marketing, paper, event services and beyond.

NOTE: there is a separate category for Tech Partner of the Year (you may enter both categories)

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• What service you provided and how it was executed
• Evidence of service levels and a genuine partnership approach
• Meeting or exceeding client objectives and expectations
• Innovation and creativity in finding solutions
• Commitment to improving processes, supporting best practice and addressing sustainability or wider industry challenges

Successful launches and relaunches are built on a deep understanding of audiences, markets and changing behaviours.

This award recognises the media brand or publication who has successfully created a product or brand to satisfy a gap in the market, that has meaningful impact, and delivers a strong commercial performance along the way.

Entries may include launches of new digital products, audience platforms, membership offerings, communities, brands or significant relaunches of existing products to meet changing audience behaviours.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• Measurable results detailing the success of the launch/relaunch (commercial performance, audience growth/ engagement, partnerships, or relevant business outcomes)
• Innovation and creativity
• Solid strategy and execution (development, positioning, and delivery)
• How it meets the needs of its target audience or community
• Deep levels of engagement with its audience or community

A great media brand stands head and shoulders above its peers. They produce content their audience wants, tackle important topics in their sector, inform their communities and have an authoritative voice in their market.

This award is for a consumer or business brand which successfully integrates editorial excellence, audience engagement, strategic vision and market understanding to demonstrate an exceptional performance.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• How they understand and meet the needs of their target audience
• A strong and sustainable commercial performance
• Editorial excellence and design that represents and enhances the brand
• Innovation and adaptability (detail of how the brand has evolved to meet changing expectations)
• A multi-channel approach that creates a deeper engagement with the target audience where appropriate

Member publications are at the very core of their communities. The winner of this award will be delivering exceptional insight and quality content to inform and update its readers.

The winning entry will demonstrate how the publication strengthens the member relationship, supports organisational goals and creates meaningful value for its community.

For this award, a membership publication is a publication produced at least twice a year by or on behalf of an organisation to communicate with its members, be that in print or on a digital platform.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• How the publication meets the organisation's marketing and communication needs
• How it adds value to the member’s relationship with the organisation
• Excellent editorial and design
• How the publication sits within the wider organisational strategy
• Impact and results against objectives

Note: this category is open to both consumer and business media titles and if the judges deem it appropriate, they may choose two winners; one for business/professional membership publication of the year, and one for consumer membership publication of the year.

This category honours the brilliantly crafted newsletters that showcase a unique voice of a business or publication, providing an invaluable touchpoint with its audience.

From regular news digests, sharing ideas and insight, to delivering invaluable information and opinion, this award will recognise the creativity and engagement that comes from truly knowing your audience.

Entries can be for newsletters created to complement existing brands or publications, to help launch new ones, or as a standalone product.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• Performance against objectives
• Excellent audience engagement (detail readership figures, audience metrics, open rates etc)
• Innovation and creativity (distinctive formats, experimentation with newsletter features etc)
• Original content which meets the needs of the target audience
• Well researched topics and trusted content resources
• How the newsletter supports the wider business strategy

As an industry, we have strong platforms, trusted authority, and incredibly expert and engaged audiences. And with that comes the opportunity to make a difference and encourage change for good within professional sectors, specialist areas, or society as a whole.

The Positive Impact Award recognises an initiative, campaign, editorial project, partnership or ongoing programme that has delivered a positive and measurable impact for its audience, industry or society.

Entries may address issues such as sustainability, diversity and inclusion, education, wellbeing, accessibility, community development or other causes aligned with the publication's purpose and values.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• A clearly defined objective
• How the campaign supports the publication's wider strategy
• Original thinking, effective execution and innovative approaches to achieving positive impact
• Measurable results against objectives supported by evidence
• Evidence that the campaign created meaningful value and, where appropriate, has the potential for lasting impact beyond the initial activity
  

Successful subscriptions or membership models are at the core of many specialist media businesses. This award recognises the teams utilising audience insight, creative thinking and intelligent use of data to deliver new customers and retain loyal ones.

This award looks to recognise a media brand, publication, campaign or portfolio that has maximised revenue through effective implementation of a new or enhanced subscriptions or membership strategy. This can be focused on acquisition, retention, or both.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• Innovation and creativity in approach
• Understanding of the target market
• Effective use of data to drive conversions
• A strong commercial performance
• Deep levels of engagement with its audience or community

Successful teams are goal-focused, communicate well and support each other to deliver on business objectives.

Truly great teams have that bit of extra stardust and magic that means they make a significant impact in their sector, working together to overcome obstacles and collaborating for the benefit of their organisation. This award recognises a team or department that has truly excelled in making a positive and measurable contribution.

Eligible teams include, but are not limited to: Content, Creative, Commercial, Marketing, Production, HR, Operations, Subscriptions, Business Development, Events, Community, Membership, and Finance.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• Positive and measurable contribution to the overall company strategy
• How the team has exceeded business expectations
• Creativity, new approaches, and innovation backed up with solid results
• How the team has supported each other, shared learnings and embraced wellbeing as a priority
• A collaborative approach towards working with other individuals or teams in the business, or external partners

This award recognises the tech systems, platforms and suppliers to the specialist media industry who have excellent examples of customer service and technical innovation.

We want to see entries from those who regularly over-deliver, proactively suggest initiatives that deliver for their clients, and ensure challenges are overcome with minimal fuss.

Entries should demonstrate:

• Seamless integration with publisher workflow (print or digital)
• Evidence of service levels & a genuine partnership approach
• Meeting or exceeding client objectives and expectations
• Innovation and creativity in finding solutions
• Clarity on what problem was being solved for the client

NOTE: there is a separate category for Industry Partner of the Year (you may enter both categories).

Exceptional writers bring expertise, originality and a distinctive voice to the stories they tell.

This award recognises a writer whose work demonstrates outstanding storytelling, editorial skill and a strong connection with their audience. Entries are open to anyone contributing to a media brand or publication across print, digital or other platforms.

The winning writer will demonstrate creativity, credibility and the ability to inform, engage and inspire audiences through their work.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• Original, entertaining and/or engaging writing
• Well researched and credible journalism that demonstrates strong editorial craft
• Content that reflects a deep understanding of the audience
• A distinctive personal style
• Evidence of how the writer’s work has contributed to the success, reputation or influence of the publication

Note: Individuals may enter this category once under one brand/publication only.

Video can be a powerful tool for a brand or publication, which enhances an existing product, or creates an entirely new product that attracts and engages audiences. This award celebrates those creating compelling and impactful video content, which is used to strengthen and broaden their value proposition to their audiences.

This can be a standalone video piece, a social video campaign, branded editorial content, a series that drove engagement and revenues, or a longer-term video strategy.

Entries should clearly demonstrate:

• How your video content met and exceeded the business goals and objectives
• How the video content strategy increased audience engagement (please provide metrics) 
• A strong commercial performance
• Production quality and creativity
• How you successfully optimised your video and made it accessible for your audience