Organised by Local Media Works, the marketing body for the local news media industry, the new awards will challenge media planners from across the industry to come up with the best local media campaign in response to a brief set by a national client.
Led by Blanche Sainsbury, Local Media Works chairman and Local World commercial director, a judging panel comprising media industry figures will choose the winning campaigns for each of the six awards categories. The winners will be announced at an awards celebration party on 21 October at The Hospital Club in London.
Blanche said: “The Local Media Works Awards are the industry’s new awards for media planners and buyers. Local newspapers in print and digital offer an immensely powerful proposition for national advertisers and these awards will showcase and promote the unique strengths of our brands.”
Chaired by Blanche, the judging panel consists of Sue Unerman, MediaCom chief strategy officer; Brandon Bell, Specsavers head of regional and local marketing; Mary-Ann Auckland, Communities Department head of campaigns; Graeme Adams, BT head of media; Patrick Milne, DFS campaign marketing manager; and Keith Gulliver, The Post Office head of marketing.
Sue Unerman said: “I am delighted to be involved in the inaugural Local Media Works Awards and am really looking forward to seeing how the entrants tackle the challenge.
“Local newspapers have unique strengths, including high levels of trust in a local context, and the entrants will need to demonstrate an excellent understanding of this, and other unique attributes, and how they can be successfully leveraged on a national campaign.”
Brandon Bell added: “Local newspapers are a key platform for Specsavers because of the environment they provide for our communications. Local papers act as champions for their readers by campaigning on key issues and making a real difference to the communities they serve.
“I would encourage all media planners to enter the Local Media Works Awards which are a great way to get people thinking creatively about local media.”
Mary-Ann Auckland said: “Local media has evolved considerably in recent years and now represents a truly multiplatform proposition which can be used highly creatively in national campaigns.
“I am really pleased to be involved in the first ever Local Media Works Awards and believe the event will challenge planners to think hard about how local media in all its forms can add real impact to national campaigns.”
Entries open on Monday 29 June. The closing date is 31 July. A shortlist will be published over the summer before the winners are announced at the awards party on 21 October.
