World Media Awards Announces 2019 Shortlist

The World Media Group today unveils the 2019 shortlist for the World Media Awards. The World Media Awards, which showcase the world’s best content-driven, cross-border advertising campaigns, attracted strong international interest with entries coming in from Denmark, Hong Kong, India, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, Thailand and the USA amongst others, spanning APAC, EMEA and the Americas.

Christine Von Hoerde, international media management, Audi AG, is hailed as the first ever winner of the new WMAs Content Leadership & Innovation category, also being announced today. This award is for the individual recognised by peers for their talent in creating exemplary content-driven campaigns with brand bravery, creativity and innovation. Christine will receive her Special Award at this year’s WMAs Reception.

The entries were shortlisted by an international team of over 30 senior jurors from leading advertisers, agencies and publishers who, together, reflect the vital importance of collaboration between all three parties for creating effective content-driven marketing campaigns. The jury is headed up by co-chairs Stacy Gratz, global media director at Bacardi; Caroline Foster Kenny, CEO EMEA at IPG Mediabrands and Jim Piercy, creative director, customer studios EMEA/Asia at The Wall Street Journal.

Says Gratz: “Competition was fierce for the Content Leadership & Innovation Award and it was incredibly difficult to choose the final winner. Each contender has gone above and beyond to push the boundaries of what great content can achieve. They have all showed real bravery in creating human-centric stories that push emotional buttons and build strong, authentic brands. However, "Christine Von Hoerde pipped the others to the post because she consistently demonstrated thought-leadership and an innovative flair, pushing the boundaries to establish new approaches in Audi’s marketing strategy.”   

Alex Delamain, president of the World Media Group and SVP, head of client sales and services at The Economist, adds: “The World Media Group is focused on promoting and supporting the creation of engaging content, both journalistic and commercial - it is the overriding principle that drives everything that we do. This year’s award entries demonstrate exactly that commitment, showcasing content that disrupts, informs and entertains consumers. It is clear that working in close partnership with clients and agencies and leveraging trusted and credible editorial environments significantly increases the success and impact of campaigns.”

The final category winners will be announced at the World Media Awards Reception at the Ham Yard Hotel in London on Thursday 4th April. The winner of this year’s prestigious Grand Prix Award will also be announced on the night, joining previous years’ Grand Prix winners, London & Partners, Tata Motors and Shell, as the ‘best of the best’.  All shortlisted entrants will receive three free tickets to join the celebration and additional tickets are now available for purchase at a cost of £100+VAT here.

The Awards are unique in that all winners not only walk away with a trophy and kudos on the night, but will also see their work celebrated in an exclusive advertising campaign valued at €500K which will run across the World Media Group’s leading international media brands: The Atlantic, Bloomberg Media Group, The Economist, Forbes, Fortune, National Geographic, Reuters, The New York Times, Time, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post.

The 2019 shortlist is as follows (and can be seen in full here):

Automotive

Brand & Media Owner Partnership

Corporate Influencer

Financial Services

Lifestyle, Luxury & Fashion

Media & Entertainment

Technology & Telecoms

Travel & Tourism