Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Afar Entry Title: Where To Go in 2025 Entry Credit: Julia Cosgrove Judge Comment: Afar’s approachable and relatable package is focused on lesser-visited destinations, and the descriptions of each destination are lively, punchy and memorable. The print story includes beautifully designed maps and photos that keep the audience interested and engaged. The different platforms offer creative ways to engage with the guide. The Instagram Reel is interactive and shareable, and the audio story explains the package’s theme and gives an intimate, behind-the-scenes look into its production. This is a well-rounded narrative that sets the standard for multimedia storytelling.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Ellie Krupnick Entry Title: The Eater Guide to the Heartland Entry Credit: Nick Mancall-Bitel, Nat Belkov, Lesley Suter, Monica Burton, Amy McCarthy Judge Comment: Food is often a catalyst for gathering, and most anyone will appreciate not only a great meal, but also the story that brought it to the plate. The writers guide the reader through the heartland through the diverse stories of the food and people who shape the heartland’s character in a way that is compelling and magnetic. The art and photography present a creative, up-close look into dynamic communities that might otherwise be considered flyover states. Sports and activism are also themes that seamlessly find their way into the package. The interactive map adds yet another immersive touch.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Lonely Planet Entry Title: Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025 Entry Credit: Annie Greenberg, Matt Paco, Max Dickson, Di Li, Ben Buckner Judge Comment: This series demonstrates a beautiful mastery of vertical video storytelling, with the intention of introducing its audience to a roundup of destinations that need to be on everyone’s bucket lists. Each Instagram Reel boasts breathtaking visuals propped up by excellent audio design. The videos are equally fun and immersive, especially because of the engaging voice-over work. The Reels received impressive engagement on Instagram as users asked for more to be made in a similar style. This series sets a high bar for media outlets seeking to tell memorable stories on social media platforms.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: christopher reynolds Entry Title: The 101 best West Coast experiences Entry Credit: Christopher Reynolds, Elisa Parhad Judge Comment: This story from the Los Angeles Times is a dynamic and interactive foray into the must-see gems of the West Coast. Each blurb has an approachable, inviting tone, and the original photography, though not the focal point, is stunning. The map responds to the reader as they scroll, giving the story a playful feel that will surely keep audiences coming back again and again to explore.
