Online News Association

Today ONA launches a new strategic vision for journalism to thrive through change. As shared by Executive Director/CEO Niketa Patel, our new three-year strategic plan sets a new course for ONA that’s grounded in adaptive leadership and focuses on connecting the people transforming journalism—across all roles, functions and career stages. Read the full letter and announcement from Niketa Patel: https://lnkd.in/gbQTgbss

Just a couple more days until #ONA25 – one of the best journalism convenings for getting a glimpse at where things are headed, and this year it’s back in my beloved New Orleans. I’m looking forward to being in that magical place with so many brilliant journalism leaders, including my Solutions Journalism Network colleague Angela K. Evans – pop into one of her sessions to learn more about the many ways to incorporate a solutions journalism approach into climate coverage. And if you’re keen to prepare for the next big disaster in collaboration with and in support of other journalists and news outlets – and/or have some tips and ideas to share, join Susan Henderson, Laura Lee and me for a dynamic, engaging and productive session.

✨ News! ✨ Two candidates are in the running to join the 2026-27 ONA Board of Directors: 🔹 Neeti Upadhye, Senior Video Manager, The Washington Post 🔹 Nikita Roy, Founder, Newsroom Robots Lab Candidates were selected by the board’s Governance Committee from a pool of nominations submitted by ONA members. Learn what they would bring to ONA's board leadership and their vision for digital journalism: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e34kH4My 👋 ONA members: Voting opens Wednesday, Sept. 10. All members active as of Sept. 7 will be eligible to cast a ballot. Learn more about the election process: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gVP2hJcb

✨ News! ✨ Two candidates are in the running to join the 2026-27 ONA Board of Directors: 🔹 Neeti Upadhye, Senior Video Manager, The Washington Post 🔹 Nikita Roy, Founder, Newsroom Robots Lab Candidates were selected by the board’s Governance Committee from a pool of nominations submitted by ONA members. Learn what they would bring to ONA's board leadership and their vision for digital journalism: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e34kH4My 👋 ONA members: Voting opens Wednesday, Sept. 10. All members active as of Sept. 7 will be eligible to cast a ballot. Learn more about the election process: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gVP2hJcb

ONA is pleased to announce the 2025 winners of the ONA Community Award, the James Foley Award for Conflict Reporting, the Impact Award and the Rich Jaroslovsky Founder Award. These special honors go beyond individual journalism projects to celebrate individuals and small groups that have made exceptional contributions to ONA and/or the industry. ⭐ ONA Community Award: Feet in 2 Worlds, recognized for an impressive record of training immigrant journalists and reshaping immigration coverage to be more inclusive, representative and community-driven. ⭐James Foley Award for Conflict Reporting: Arlette BASHIZI, recognized for her striking coverage of health, the environment, culture and the impact of conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond. ⭐ Impact Award: Andrew Losowsky, an inspiring example for peers across the industry for his dedication to connecting journalists with the communities they serve. ⭐ Rich Jaroslovsky Founder Award: 👨🏽🏫 Robert Hernandez, recognized for outstanding contributions at the intersection of technology and journalism and his history of service to ONA. Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/eSPdz84Y

Today we had the honor of announcing winners in 17 of 24 categories of the 2025 Online Journalism Awards during a virtual ceremony co-hosted by Imaeyen I. and Niketa Patel! From groundbreaking investigations to compelling visualizations, this year's winners demonstrate the extraordinary ways journalism can strengthen communities and serve democracy. Honorees include The Verge for "How to Watch a Baby," The Dallas Morning News for "Toll Trap," The Washington Post for "Indian Boarding Schools," and TheWire.in for "Breaking the Nets." Get to know all the winning projects: https://lnkd.in/eFewp6Qa ➡️ What's next: We will announce winners in the remaining categories in New Orleans on Friday, Sept. 12, during the Online Journalism Awards Ceremony and Luncheon, hosted by legendary broadcaster Hari Sreenivasan. See you in the Big Easy for more celebration of best-in-class journalism.

So thrilled to be featured in Susan McPherson’s #CONNECTED newsletter, where I shared how building and sustaining relationships has been the foundation of my leadership journey. I reflected on the role of authenticity, empathy, and curiosity in fostering strong connections, and how intentionally seeking out diverse perspectives has shaped the way I lead. I also spoke about the communities that continue to inspire me—from Online News Association, where I’m honored to serve as Executive Director & CEO, to Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA), which have been invaluable throughout my career. Read the full edition here: http://bit.ly/4gFmp0d 

📣 We are thrilled to announce the finalists in the 2025 Online Journalism Awards, honoring excellence and innovation across the globe. This year's honorees—including Bellingcat, Boston Globe Media, DER SPIEGEL, Spotlight PA, The Texas Tribune and others—are a reminder of just how powerful journalism can be, and reflect our field's highest calling: to illuminate, to hold power to account and to serve democracy. The 2025 finalists were selected from more than 1,200 entries across 92 countries. ✨ Thank you  ✨ to the 173 volunteer screeners and judges who generously contributed their expertise to make the awards possible. ➡️ Explore the projects: https://lnkd.in/eFewp6Qa ➡️ Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/eh6sNNQt

Thank you Susan McPherson for spotlighting our own Executive Director/CEO Niketa Patel in this week’s #CONNECTED newsletter to share how relationships have shaped her career. Niketa reflected on the values that make strong connections possible and the communities that have inspired her along the way — including ONA 👋 , Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and South Asian Journalists Association (SAJA). ➡️ Read the full edition here: https://lnkd.in/eEkC-ZtR Subscribe for more interviews with Connectors around the world who are driving change by building community, breaking barriers, and leading with compassion. http://bit.ly/4gFmp0d

Throughout ONA's history, we've had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional community members who step up to serve on the Board of Directors. These leaders have generously guided and championed ONA's work through every major change and iteration of "online news." If you're passionate about strengthening journalism, now is a great time to bring your vision and expertise to the ONA board. The call for nominations is open now through ✨ Wednesday, Aug. 27✨ — run for the board or nominate a colleague who needs to be at the table. ➡️ Learn more about the election process: https://lnkd.in/gVP2hJcb