The Online Journalism Awards (OJAs), launched in May 2000, are the only comprehensive set of journalism prizes honoring excellence in digital journalism around the world.
Submissions to the 2026 Online Journalism Awards are due Thursday, May 14 at 11:59 p.m. EDT (3:59 a.m. UTC). Finalists will be announced in early August. Details about the virtual and live ceremonies will be announced soon.
March 27, 2026 – Submissions Open
May 14, 2026 – Submission Deadline
Fall 2026 – OJA Finalists Announced
Fall 2026 – OJA Winners Announced
ONA members support our mission throughout the year and receive a discount on OJA entry fees. Become an ONA member today. Entry fees increase during the final submission window.
| Entry Fees – EARLY BIRD PRICING (MARCH 30 – MAY 5, 2026) | |
|---|---|
| ONA members | $125/entry |
| Non-members | $200/entry |
| Micro Newsroom (ONA members and non-members) | $50/entry |
| Student members | $15/entry |
| Student non-members | $30/entry |
| Entry Fees – LATE SUBMISSION PERIOD (MAY 6 – MAY 14, 2026) | |
|---|---|
| ONA members | $200/entry |
| Non-members | $300/entry |
| Micro Newsroom (ONA members and non-members) | $100/entry |
| Student members | $30/entry |
| Student non-members | $60/entry |
The OJAs recognize major media, international and independent sites and individuals producing innovative work in digital storytelling. The OJA screeners and judges place special emphasis on entries that demonstrate mastery of the special characteristics and emerging technology of digital journalism.
Finalists and winners are selected through a two-step process. First, industry-leading journalists and digital media professionals screen the awards to determine semi-finalists. Second, panels of judges, composed of senior-level journalism professionals, convene in August to select the finalists and winners.
Applications to serve as a 2025 OJA screener are open March 27 – May 14.
See more volunteer opportunities
ONLINE NEWS ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT THE HYATT REGENCY DENVER ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2016, IN DENVER, COLORADO.
