A new report by the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) showcases twelve exemplary cases of innovation in digital journalism, underscoring the diverse sources of high-impact innovation across various markets and organizational sizes. These cases, selected from the Digital Media Awards Worldwide, highlight how publishers are adapting to evolving reader needs and building sustainable digital businesses.
Innovative Approaches Across the Globe
The twelve featured initiatives span continents, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. They reflect a commitment to rethinking products, storytelling, and audience engagement through the strategic application of emerging technologies. Each case exemplifies that effective innovation is rooted in a clear editorial purpose and integrated into daily operations.
Among the standout examples is Reuters from the United Kingdom, which won the award for Best Data Visualisation. Their team reconstructed the tragic 2024 Valencia high-rise fire using advanced 3D modelling and simulations. This investigative effort not only illustrated how combustible façades contributed to the disaster but also exposed significant gaps in existing fire safety policies.
United Daily News in Taiwan received recognition for the Best Use of AI in Revenue Strategy. By embedding artificial intelligence across its advertising and content recommendation processes, the publication achieved remarkable gains in click-through rates, audience engagement, and subscription conversions. This shift towards an audience-led model has proven effective in enhancing their digital strategy.
Germany’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ) transformed its online presence through a complete overhaul of FAZ.NET, earning the title of Best News Website. The platform now features server-side personalisation and dynamic paywalls, significantly improving user engagement and subscription growth.
Engaging Audiences with Innovative Products
South Africa’s Daily Maverick was recognised for its innovative digital product, Manifesto MAYHEM!, which simplifies complex election manifestos into visually appealing, shareable cards. This approach reimagines civic education through design and gamification, utilising WhatsApp for distribution to reach a wider audience.
In India, The Hindu launched the Made of Chennai campaign, blending digital storytelling with print and large-scale events to celebrate the city’s identity. This initiative has fostered deep community engagement and reinforced brand affinity.
Argentina’s La Nación showcased the Best Use of AI in the Newsroom with a custom AI pipeline that analyses speeches by President Javier Milei. This innovative method combines machine analysis with editorial oversight, allowing journalists to uncover patterns in political rhetoric and enhance reporting accuracy.
Chequeado, also from Argentina, received recognition for its project Promesas Chequeadas, which tracks presidential promises using a transparent methodology. This initiative aims to strengthen accountability and public trust in a politically polarised environment.
Norway’s Verdens Gang reinvented live election coverage by adopting a vertical, mobile-first video format. This strategy transforms real-time reporting into an interactive experience designed for younger audiences, earning them the award for Best Use of Video.
Meanwhile, The Telegraph in the United Kingdom launched a personal finance newsletter that combines expert guidance with a conversational tone, enhancing reader loyalty and engagement. This initiative has helped cultivate a habit among readers, further solidifying subscription growth.
In Hong Kong, the South China Morning Post launched SCMP Plus, a premium intelligence product aimed at global audiences interested in China. This offering includes curated analysis and data tools, driving both upgrades and long-term engagement.
Lastly, Grupo El Comercio from Peru was celebrated for its Premios Somos campaign, which engaged readers through interactive voting and multiplatform storytelling, effectively turning casual readers into registered, active users.
The report, available for free to WAN-IFRA members, highlights the ongoing evolution of digital journalism and the commitment to creating a sustainable future through innovation.
