The 2026 World Media Awards (WMAs) are open for entry today, offering 12 categories to recognise the very best in cross-platform, cross-border, international content-driven advertising. Created by the World Media Group, a strategic alliance of global media brands that promotes award-winning journalism and the value of quality international media to the marketing industry, the WMAs are now in their eleventh year. Brand Metrics is once again the official partner of this year’s World Media Awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why the WMAs matter more than ever<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The World Media Awards campaigns are built on a foundation of trusted media partnerships. This reflects the World Media Group\u2019s tenet that advertising which aligns with high quality media is not only more effective at reaching highly engaged audiences, but also at building long-term trust for the brand. In an age of misinformation, noise and AI slop, trust is the most valuable currency there is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWith Artificial Intelligence rapidly reshaping how content is created, distributed and consumed, it\u2019s more important than ever to pause, take stock and celebrate what human creativity and editorial judgement can achieve,\u201d said Jamie Credland, CEO of the World Media Group. \u201cThe World Media Awards exist to do exactly that. They are a benchmark for excellence; a way of demonstrating what great work looks like in the context of trusted editorial environments.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sean Adams, CMO, Brand Metrics, the official partner of the 2026 World Media Awards, said: \u201cAt Brand Metrics, we work with premium publishers to help them measure the effectiveness of advertising and commercial content on their sites, so partnering with the World Media Awards is a natural fit for us. We believe in the value of high-quality journalism, and we\u2019re pleased to be able to support an event that champions excellence in the industry.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n A panel of international judges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n To reflect the importance of collaboration in creating successful international, content-driven advertising campaigns, the independent jury is made up of heavyweight judges from brands, agencies and media owners. You can see the jury here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The World Media Awards offer a unique prize to each of the sector category winners. The winning entries are amplified in a worldwide advertising campaign valued at more than \u20ac750k, running across the World Media Group’s leading international media brands. Members comprise BBC News, Business Insider, CNBC, CNN, The Economist, Forbes, Fortune, National Geographic, The New York Times Company, Reuters, TIME, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and associate member, The Atlantic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Championing international trusted journalism<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The WMAs are not-for-profit. Fifty percent of the entry fee will be donated to Reporters Without Borders, which protects and supports journalism and freedom of speech around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Early bird general entry fees are \u00a3150 (tech vendor entries are \u00a3200) from 5th March 2026 up until 8th April 2026, after which the general entry fees are \u00a3200 and tech vendor entry fees are \u00a3295.<\/p>\n\n\n\n