March 5, 2026
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.
Why the WMAs matter more than ever
The World Media Awards campaigns are built on a foundation of trusted media partnerships. This reflects the World Media Group’s 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.
“With Artificial Intelligence rapidly reshaping how content is created, distributed and consumed, it’s more important than ever to pause, take stock and celebrate what human creativity and editorial judgement can achieve,” said Jamie Credland, CEO of the World Media Group. “The 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.”
Sean Adams, CMO, Brand Metrics, the official partner of the 2026 World Media Awards, said: “At 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’re pleased to be able to support an event that champions excellence in the industry.”
A panel of international judges
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.
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 €750k, 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.
Championing international trusted journalism
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.
Early bird general entry fees are £150 (tech vendor entries are £200) from 5th March 2026 up until 8th April 2026, after which the general entry fees are £200 and tech vendor entry fees are £295.
How to enter
You can enter the WMAs at https://world-media-group.com/awards/how-to-enter/. Campaigns must have intentionally targeted audiences in at least three countries, and 75% of the activity needs to have been implemented between 1st January 2025 and 30th April 2026. There is no requirement for campaigns to have run in any of the World Media Group’s member brands. The deadline for entries is Thursday 21st May, 2026.
General categories
This year there are 12 award categories including the Content Leadership & Innovation and Rising Star awards, which are awarded to individuals, based on nominations from WMG members. The jury will select the Grand Prix from amongst the following category winners:
- Corporate Influencer
- Financial Services
- Luxury & Lifestyle
- Technology & Telecoms
- Travel & Tourism
Specialist categories
The following five categories are designed to celebrate the power of great partnerships between brands and media owners; the potential for brand storytelling to drive progress on social issues; the companies and services enabling the industry to do its best work; and the next generation of talented individuals leading the way in delivering effective, creative and innovative solutions for brands.
- Brand & Media Owner Partnership
- Branded Event
- Enabling Success
- Small Budget, Great Impact
- Social Good
WMG member-nominated categories
- Content Leadership and Innovation Award – recognising an individual who has demonstrated leadership and innovation in the creation of great content-led international marketing strategies.
- Rising Star – recognising a talented individual who is making a significant impact to the creativity and effectiveness of content-led advertising strategies, early on in their career.
The winners will be announced at an exclusive live ceremony on Thursday 24th September, 2026. Shortlisted entrants will receive two complimentary tickets to join the celebration as guests of the World Media Group, and additional tickets will be available to purchase.
About the World Media Group
The World Media Group is a strategic alliance of leading international media organisations that connects brands with highly engaged, influential audiences in the context of trusted and renowned journalism. Its members include BBC News, Business Insider, CNBC, CNN International, The Economist, Forbes, Fortune, National Geographic, The New York Times Company, Reuters, TIME, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, associate member The Atlantic, and partners Avid Collective, Brand Metrics and Dianomi.