ONA, McKinsey and Company partner to honor excellence in climate-change reporting

We are pleased to announce the Online Journalism Awards (OJAs) will feature a total of $25,000 in cash prizes over five years for winners of the Topical Reporting: Climate Change category, thanks to generous support from McKinsey and Company.

ONA is proud to partner with McKinsey to recognize powerful digital journalism focused on one of the most pressing issues of our time. New for 2020, Topical Reporting: Climate Change will honor stories that address climate change’s impact on our daily lives through various lenses — including science, policy, health, trade, agriculture, sports, business or insurance.

For years, McKinsey has provided insights to businesses and industry leaders about the impacts of climate change, including through a recent report on the physical and socioeconomic risks of a changing climate.

“Supporting the climate-change award is another way McKinsey can help reinforce journalism’s vital role of educating the public and leaders on the impact of climate change and how we all play a role in creating a more sustainable world. We are excited to partner with ONA in recognizing the outstanding journalism being produced on this front,” said McKinsey Global Publishing Director Elect, Raju Narisetti.

Judges for Topical Reporting: Climate Change will consider three criteria:

• Quality of the journalism, digital production and design, as well as use of multiple platforms
• Audience engagement strategy
• Demonstrated impact

Work published between June 1, 2019, and May 31, 2020, is eligible to enter in the 2020 OJAs. In addition to entries, we are also accepting applications for volunteer screeners to kick start the review process. Screeners represent a diverse cross section of the journalism industry and help discover the most innovative and inspiring work from across the field.

To get involved, submit your best work by June 4 or apply to volunteer as a screener.

Established in 2000, the OJAs are the only comprehensive set of digital journalism prizes honoring achievement by major media, local newsrooms and individuals around the world. We plan to add more topical reporting categories in future years to celebrate exceptional projects tackling other issues of public concern or specific beats, including elections or global sporting events.