Online Journalism Awards (OJAs)

Online Journalism Awards (OJAs)

Organization: Online News Association (ONA)

Program Type: Competitive awards recognizing excellence in digital journalism

Overview

The Online Journalism Awards, launched in May 2000, are the only comprehensive set of journalism prizes honoring excellence in digital journalism around the world. The awards celebrate exceptional work across multiple categories of digital storytelling and journalism innovation.

Award Categories (2025 winners announced)

• Breaking News
• Digital Video Storytelling
• Excellence in Audio
• Digital Storytelling
• Excellence in Collaboration and Partnerships
• Excellence in Newsletters
• Excellence in Science Reporting
• Excellence in Social Justice Reporting
• Excellence in Sports Reporting
• Excellence in Technology Reporting
• Excellence in Visual Digital Storytelling
• Explanatory Reporting
• Feature
• Innovation in Revenue Strategy
• Online Commentary
• Student Journalism Award
• The Al Neuharth Innovation in Investigative Journalism Award
• Topical Reporting: Race, Ethnicity, Gender and Identity
• Total of 24 categories (additional categories to be announced)

Timeline

• Submissions: Usually open in April or May
• Finalists: Announced in August
• Winners: Celebrated at the annual ONA conference

Geographic Scope

• International (global competition)

Eligibility

• Open to digital journalism projects worldwide

What's Honored

• Climate reporting
• Community engagement
• AI innovation
• Digital storytelling excellence
• Investigative journalism
• Various journalism specialties

Contact

• Online News Association
• 1111 North Capitol Street Northeast, Second Floor
• Washington, DC 20002
• Website: journalists.org
• Email: For award questions and submissions

Additional Information

• Award ceremony and luncheon held at annual ONA conference
• 2025 awards ceremony held September 12 in New Orleans as part of ONA25
• Sponsorship and award support opportunities available