The EPPY™ Awards recognize excellence across every facet of digital-first news publishing. To help you find the best fit for your work, entries are organized into three major groups:
Website Categories
Recognizing excellence in digital news experiences, website design, usability, product innovation and the technologies that connect audiences with journalism.
Content Categories
Honoring outstanding journalism, storytelling, audience engagement, multimedia, video, photography, newsletters, podcasts, data journalism, AI innovation and more.
College/University Categories
Celebrating exceptional student-produced digital journalism and collegiate news organizations.
Scroll down to explore all categories and select those that best showcase your work.
Website & Content Divisions
To ensure fair competition, all Digital Experience and Content categories (excluding College/University categories) are divided into two audience-size divisions.
When submitting your entry, simply select the division that best represents your organization:
If you’re uncertain which division is most appropriate, please refer to the Rules & FAQs for additional guidance.
Please note: In categories with a limited number of entries, EPPY™ judges reserve the right to combine divisions to ensure a fair and meaningful competition. Entrants will be notified if this occurs.
1) WEBSITE CATEGORIES |
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| Category | Description |
| Best daily news website | Websites for daily news organizations — whether tied to a print edition or operating solely online — that deliver timely, accurate reporting across local, national and specialty beats. Entries should showcase breadth of original journalism, seamless multimedia integration, intuitive navigation and design that enhances the reader experience on desktop and mobile. Judges will assess storytelling depth, update frequency, user engagement features and overall excellence in digital news presentation. |
| Best weekly or nondaily news website | Websites for nondaily or weekly news organizations — whether tied to a print edition or operating solely online — that deliver timely, accurate reporting across local, national and specialty beats. Entries should showcase breadth of original journalism, seamless multimedia integration, intuitive navigation and design that enhances the reader experience on desktop and mobile. Judges will assess storytelling depth, update frequency, user engagement features and overall excellence in digital news presentation. |
| Best multicultural news website | Honors news organizations serving historically underserved racial, cultural or ethnic publications. Entries should showcase breadth of original journalism, seamless multimedia integration, intuitive navigation and design that enhances the reader experience on desktop and mobile. Judges will assess storytelling depth, update frequency, user engagement features and overall excellence in digital news presentation. |
| Best magazine website | Honors websites associated with a single magazine title that deliver compelling, high-quality content tailored to a specific audience. Entries should demonstrate editorial excellence, strong visual design, user-friendly navigation and innovative digital features. Judges will evaluate originality, consistency with the magazine’s brand and effective use of multimedia and interactive elements to enhance storytelling. |
| Best sports news website | Recognizes outstanding sports journalism presented through a dedicated website or sports section. Entries should feature timely updates, in-depth reporting, insightful analysis and strong multimedia integration — including video, photography and data visualization. Judges will consider originality, user experience, breadth of coverage and how well the site captures the culture, history and impact of sports. |
| Best online-only news site | Honors excellence in digital journalism from news organizations that operate exclusively online, without a print counterpart. Entries should demonstrate strong original reporting, timely updates, innovative storytelling and effective use of multimedia. Judges will evaluate overall editorial quality, user experience, audience engagement and the site’s impact within its coverage area or niche. |
| Best local TV news website | Recognizes excellence in digital news delivery from a local television station’s website. Entries should showcase timely and reliable coverage, original reporting and effective integration of video content. Judges will consider site design, user experience, mobile responsiveness and how well the website extends the station’s on-air presence through digital platforms and audience engagement. |
| Best local radio news website | Recognizes excellence in digital news delivery from a local radio station’s website. Entries should showcase timely and reliable coverage, original reporting and effective integration of video content. Judges will consider site design, user experience, mobile responsiveness and how well the website extends the station’s on-air presence through digital platforms and audience engagement. |
| Best business/finance website | Honors websites dedicated to delivering insightful, accurate and timely coverage of business, finance and economic topics. Entries should feature original reporting, data-driven analysis and user-friendly design that serves both general audiences and industry professionals. Judges will evaluate depth of coverage, clarity of presentation, multimedia use and the site’s effectiveness in making complex financial topics accessible and engaging. |
| Best entertainment/cultural news website | Recognizes outstanding digital coverage of arts, entertainment, lifestyle and cultural topics. Entries should feature original storytelling, timely updates and engaging multimedia that reflect and elevate cultural conversations. Judges will consider editorial quality, creativity, user experience and the site’s ability to inform, inspire and connect with diverse audiences through digital platforms. |
| Best mobile news app | Honors a mobile application that delivers an exceptional news experience on smartphones or tablets. Entries should demonstrate timely content updates, intuitive navigation, engaging design and effective use of mobile features such as push notifications, video or personalization. Judges will evaluate editorial quality, user experience, performance and how well the app serves its intended audience on the go. |
| Best overall website design | Recognizes outstanding visual and functional design in a news or media website. Entries should exhibit clean layout, intuitive navigation, cohesive branding and design elements that enhance the user experience across devices. Judges will assess aesthetic appeal, typography, responsiveness and how effectively the design supports and elevates the site’s editorial mission. |
| Best home page design | Honors excellence in the design and functionality of a news website’s home page. Entries should feature a visually appealing layout, clear content hierarchy, strong branding and intuitive navigation. Judges will evaluate how effectively the home page showcases top stories, guides users to deeper content and adapts across devices to provide a seamless, engaging user experience. |
| Best redesign/relaunch | Recognizes the successful transformation of a news website through a strategic redesign or relaunch. Entries should highlight improvements in visual design, user experience, site performance, content organization and mobile responsiveness. Judges will evaluate the impact of the redesign on audience engagement, editorial presentation and overall functionality, as well as the clarity of before-and-after comparisons. |
| Best website navigation | Honors exceptional navigation design that enhances usability and guides readers seamlessly through a news or media website. Entries should demonstrate clear structure, intuitive menus, innovative features and thoughtful organization of content. Judges will evaluate how effectively the navigation supports user discovery, accessibility and overall site experience across devices. |
2) CONTENT CATEGORIES |
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| Category | Description |
| Best investigative/enterprise feature |
Recognizes one outstanding, self-contained piece of original investigative or enterprise reporting. The submitted work may be part of a larger project or series, but it must stand on its own as a complete story. Entries may include up to four links; however, one link should represent the primary work, while additional links may provide supporting multimedia, data, methodology or context. Judges will evaluate the quality and originality of the reporting, depth of investigation, storytelling, public impact and effectiveness of the digital presentation. |
| Best investigative/enterprise series |
Recognizes an outstanding, connected, multi-part series of original investigative or enterprise reporting. Entries should include multiple installments—up to four links—that collectively demonstrate the scope, progression and impact of the reporting. Judges will evaluate the quality and originality of the reporting, depth of investigation, strength and cohesion of the series, storytelling, public impact and effectiveness of the digital presentation. |
| Best collaborative investigative/ enterprise reporting | Recognizes impactful investigative or enterprise journalism produced through collaboration between two or more news organizations. Entries should uncover significant information not readily apparent to the public, with reporting that leads to greater understanding or accountability. Judges will assess depth of research, originality, storytelling quality and the effectiveness of the partnership in achieving journalistic impact. |
| Best news or event feature | Recognizes outstanding feature reporting focused on a significant news event or issue. Entries may be a single story or a series that provides depth, context and human insight into current events. Judges will evaluate storytelling quality, originality, relevance and the use of multimedia elements to enhance audience understanding. |
| Best business reporting | Honors excellence in reporting on business, finance or economic issues. Entries may cover breaking developments, industry trends, corporate accountability or consumer impact. Judges will assess clarity, depth of reporting, originality and the ability to explain complex topics to a broad audience. |
| Best business/finance column | Recognizes a column or commentary site that offers insightful, engaging and authoritative commentary on business and financial topics. Entries should demonstrate a distinctive voice, original analysis and consistency in quality and relevance. Judges will consider writing style, timeliness and value to readers. |
| Best news/political column | Honors a column or commentary site that delivers thoughtful analysis and commentary on news or political issues. Entries should showcase originality, clarity of perspective and a strong editorial voice. Judges will evaluate the blog’s ability to inform, engage and provoke meaningful public discourse. |
| Best use of AI in digital journalism | Recognizes innovative uses of AI, machine learning or automation to enhance journalism. Entries may include AI-assisted reporting, automated transcription or translation, personalization tools or editorial workflow enhancements. Judges will look for impact, transparency and responsible innovation. |
| Best use of data/infographics | Recognizes excellence in visual storytelling through data-driven graphics and interactive elements. Entries should demonstrate clear, impactful design that enhances audience understanding of complex topics. Judges will evaluate how effectively the data is sourced, organized and presented, as well as the creativity, accuracy and visual clarity of the final product. |
| Best use of data transparency | Recognizes projects that go beyond data visualization to promote transparency in data sourcing, methodology and editorial decisions. Entries should demonstrate how the outlet built trust by showing their work to the audience. |
| Best use of social media/crowd sourcing | Honors the news organization that demonstrates the most effective, innovative and engaging use of social media to connect with audiences, distribute content and build brand loyalty. Judges will consider creative execution, platform-specific strategy, audience growth and engagement, use of multimedia and measurable impact on reach and storytelling. Entries may include campaigns, ongoing strategies or event-driven initiatives across platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, and others. Entrants should include examples of posts, analytics or engagement metrics and a summary explaining the goals, execution and results of the strategy. |
| Best social video strategy | Recognizes excellence in short-form video storytelling on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts or similar. Entries should showcase originality, journalistic value and creative adaptation to social-first formats and audiences. |
| Best innovation project on a website | Recognizes a digital project that uses innovative tools, formats or technology to tell stories in new and engaging ways. Entries should demonstrate creativity, originality and forward-thinking execution that enhances the user experience and expands the boundaries of digital journalism. |
| Best community service project/reporting | Honors journalism that drives positive change by addressing pressing issues within a specific community. Entries may include a single story or a series focused on public service, civic engagement or local impact. Judges will assess the project’s relevance, depth and measurable outcomes. |
| Best news or event feature video | Celebrates compelling video storytelling that covers a significant news event or human-interest feature. Entries should demonstrate strong reporting, clear narrative structure and impactful visuals. Judges will consider originality, depth and how effectively the video conveys the story. |
| Best investigative/enterprise video | Recognizes outstanding video journalism that uncovers new information or provides deep analysis of a significant issue. Entries should reflect thorough reporting, compelling visual storytelling and strong editorial judgment. Judges will evaluate the depth, originality and societal impact of the work. |
| Best sports video | Honors exceptional video storytelling focused on sports news, athletes, events or culture. Entries should feature strong visuals, narrative clarity and originality. Judges will assess how well the video captures the essence of the subject while informing or inspiring the audience. |
| Best podcast | Celebrates excellence in audio or video-based storytelling delivered in episodic form. Entries should demonstrate compelling narrative structure, production quality and audience engagement. Judges will consider originality, relevance and how effectively the format enhances the story or topic. |
| Best photojournalism on a website | Recognizes powerful visual storytelling through photography published on a digital platform. Entries may include a single photo, photo essay or slideshow that complements or leads a story. Judges will assess composition, narrative impact and how effectively the images convey emotion and meaning. |
| Best editorial/political cartoon | Honors the use of editorial or political cartoons to offer insightful, thought-provoking commentary on current events. Entries should reflect originality, clarity of message and visual impact. Judges will evaluate artistic quality, relevance and the cartoon’s ability to spark public reflection or debate. |
| Best newsletter strategy | Recognizes innovative uses of AI, machine learning or automation to enhance journalism. Entries may include AI-assisted reporting, automated transcription or translation, personalization tools or editorial workflow enhancements. Judges will look for impact, transparency and responsible innovation. |
| Best incorporation of sponsored/branded content | Recognizes the effective integration of sponsored or branded content within a news or media website. Entries should deliver value to the audience, as well as benefit to the sponsor/advertiser, while maintaining editorial integrity and a clear distinction from traditional content. Judges will evaluate creativity, transparency, user engagement, and alignment with the publisher’s brand. |
| Best cause marketing/corporate social responsibility campaign | Honors a digital campaign that promotes a charitable cause or social issue in partnership with a brand or business. Entries should demonstrate meaningful impact, strong storytelling and alignment between the campaign’s message and the media outlet’s audience. Judges will assess creativity, effectiveness and ethical presentation. |
| Best promotional/marketing campaign | Recognizes a strategic digital campaign designed to grow audience, boost brand visibility or promote a specific initiative. Entries may include social media activations, cross-platform promotions or content-driven outreach. Judges will consider originality, execution, measurable results and alignment with organizational goals. |
| Best audience engagement strategy | Recognizes effective efforts to meaningfully involve audiences in the journalistic process. Strategies may include crowdsourcing, call-outs, surveys, interactive comment platforms or community-building initiatives. Judges will look for creativity, responsiveness and measurable engagement impact. |
| Best community-led journalism | Celebrates journalism that is guided by, co-created with or significantly influenced by the communities it serves. Entries should show how the community played a role in story selection, framing, reporting or distribution. |
| Best civic engagement event | Honors a news organization for hosting an event that meaningfully advanced civic dialogue, public awareness or community problem-solving. Whether focused on elections, local issues, town halls or service journalism, entries should demonstrate how the event informed and empowered the community while aligning with the publication’s journalistic mission. The focus is public service and community impact |
| Best audience engagement or brand-building event | Recognizes a news outlet for hosting an event that deepened audience connection and enhanced brand visibility. Whether through celebrations, educational forums, meet-the-journalist events or creative community experiences, entries should show how the event expanded brand loyalty and audience trust. |
| Best revenue-generating community event | Honors a news organization for producing an event that successfully blended community engagement with business goals. Judges will consider sponsorships, ticket sales, partnerships and overall strategy behind events that generated revenue while delivering journalistic or brand value to attendees. The focus is monetization and sustainability. |
3) COLLEGE/ UNIVERSITY CATEGORIES |
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| Category | Description |
| Best college/university campus website | Honors a student-produced website serving a college or university community. Entries should feature timely news, original reporting, multimedia content and a design that reflects the needs and interests of the campus audience. Judges will assess editorial quality, user experience and student involvement. |
| Best college/university-produced community or niche website | Recognizes a student-created website that covers a specific community or content niche beyond the campus. Entries should demonstrate strong reporting, multimedia integration and a clear editorial focus. Judges will evaluate originality, impact and the site’s ability to serve a broader public interest. |
| Best collaborative college/university & professional website | Celebrates a website created through partnership between journalism students and professional media organizations. Entries should reflect high editorial standards, strong collaboration and service to the public. Judges will assess innovation, student-professional integration and the project’s impact on the community or topic covered. |
| Best news story on a college/university website | Honors a student-produced news story—or series — covering a timely or breaking event. Judges will evaluate newsworthiness, clarity, reporting depth and how effectively the story informs the campus or broader community. |
| Best feature story on a college/university website | Recognizes outstanding feature storytelling on a college website, covering general interest, sports, business or lifestyle topics. Judges will assess narrative strength, originality, reporting quality and relevance to the intended audience. |
| Best video on a college/university website | Honors the best student-produced news or feature video published on a college website. Entries should demonstrate strong visual storytelling, originality and clear editing. Judges will consider production quality, subject relevance and narrative impact. |
| Best photojournalism on a college/university website | Recognizes exceptional use of photography to tell or enhance a story. Entries may include a single image or a cohesive photo essay. Judges will evaluate visual composition, storytelling power and alignment with the accompanying editorial content. |
| Best college/university investigative/documentary | Celebrates student-produced investigative or documentary journalism that reveals new information or provides in-depth reporting on a complex topic. Judges will assess originality, reporting rigor, impact and storytelling clarity. |
| Best college/university sports section/website | Honors a student-run sports section or standalone website that delivers timely, insightful and engaging sports coverage. Judges will evaluate depth of content, reporting quality, design and the use of multimedia to capture the culture and excitement of college athletics. |
| Best use of AI in digital journalism in college/university site | Recognizes innovative uses of AI, machine learning or automation to enhance journalism. Entries may include AI-assisted reporting, automated transcription or translation, personalization tools or editorial workflow enhancements. Judges will look for impact, transparency and responsible innovation. |
| Best college-run community news initiative | Honors a college or university that has taken editorial and/or operational responsibility for a local news outlet, helping to serve a community at risk of becoming a news desert. Judges will consider quality of journalism, student involvement and community impact. Entries should include published work, details of the program’s structure and its role in sustaining local news. |
