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Apply to be a 2024 OJA Screener or Judge

Each year ONA opens applications to select 200+ volunteers to screen entries for the Online Journalism Awards. Starting in 2024, we’re thrilled to extend this application to include volunteering as an OJA judge.

ONA will be accepting screener and judge applications for the 2024 Online Journalism Awards April 4 through May 9, 2024. Learn more about these two volunteer opportunities.


OJA Screeners

Screeners are the first group of evaluators to review entries. Their collective evaluations determine which entries move forward to the semi-finalist round. This opportunity is ideal for mid-career journalism and journalism-adjacent professionals looking to evaluate some of the best journalism around the world and for those who want to have an impact on selecting award-winning journalism. We’re looking for volunteers with a wide array of expertise, backgrounds and perspective. 

Role

  • Review approximately 25-30 entries.
  • Provide comments and scores for assigned entries.

Requirements

  • Must have a passion for and professional experience in digital journalism.
  • Mid-career journalism or journalism-adjacent professional.
  • Must be able to commit 15-20 hours to review entries May 20-June 10.

OJA Judges

Judges are the final group of evaluators to review entries. Their evaluations determine which entries are selected as finalists and winners. This opportunity is ideal for senior-level journalism and journalism-adjacent professionals looking for a meaningful volunteer opportunity. Judges will work with a panel to select the 2024 slate of journalism to be honored.

We’re looking for volunteers who bring unique experience and perspective to this process. We strongly recommend serving as a screener for at least 2 years before applying to be a judge. Applicants who do not meet the judges criteria will still be considered to serve as a screener. 

Role

  • Review approximately 15-30 entries.
  • Select finalists and winners for assigned categories.

Requirements

  • Must have a passion for and professional experience in digital journalism.
  • Senior level journalism or journalism-adjacent professional.
  • Must be able to commit 15-25 hours to review entries June 18-July 16.
  • Must be able to attend a 3-hour deliberation call the week of July 22.

How to Apply

Simply use the form below to submit your information for consideration of a screener or judge role for the 2024 Online Journalism Awards.

We will do our best to match your preferences but cannot promise that you will be offered the preferred role or categories you identify throughout the application process. The notification schedule is as follows —

  • All selected screener applicants will be notified no later than Friday, May 10.
  • All selected judge applicants will be notified no later than Friday, June 7.

Your information will only be shared with ONA staff members and the ONA Awards Committee to help select the 2024 group of screeners and judges.