The international awards ceremony, Global Media Awards, organized by the International News Media Association (INMA), took place at Edison Ballroom in New York on Thursday evening local time. VG and Svenska Dagbladet stood out as two of the most prominent participants in this year’s competition, which featured 839 entries from 286 news media companies across 49 countries.
The competition celebrates groundbreaking projects across a wide range of areas – from journalistic innovation and product development to subscription strategies and the use of artificial intelligence. This year, VG distinguished itself as Norway’s most awarded media house – and one of only two globally to win two first prizes.
VG took home two first-place awards, demonstrating how journalistic and technological innovation can resonate internationally.
Vertical video a winning concept
“The Vertical Shift in VG”, which won in the category Best New Digital Product, is the result of VG’s investment in vertical video and mobile-optimized news formats. The project challenged conventions in digital news storytelling and created a new visual experience for readers, particularly targeting a younger audience.
In addition, VG also won Best Commerce Product or Service for “Ønsk”, a service that allows users to create and share wish lists. The platform combines user value with insights into commercial behavior, showing how media companies can create new revenue streams through creative, reader-driven solutions.
Svenska Dagbladet was awarded first place in the category Best Initiative to Grow Subscriptions for its project “Dynamic Paywall at Svenska Dagbladet.”
By analyzing data and user behavior, SvD developed a dynamic paywall that adapts to each reader’s consumption patterns. This has not only resulted in higher conversion rates and increased sales, but also improved the overall user experience – showcasing how technological solutions can strengthen the editorial business model.
“It’s inspiring to see our media houses gain international recognition through their own ideas, solutions, and the courage to challenge established norms. It shows that quality journalism and innovation still have the power to engage – even on the global stage,” says Schibsted CEO Siv Juvik Tveitnes.
