The Local Media Association has recognized Community Impact Newspaper with four awards for digital media innovation. LMA distributed the awards May 9-10 during its 2017 Digital Revenue Summit in Chicago. More than 80 media companies including newspapers, television, radio broadcasters and websites entered the Local Media Digital Innovation competition, which was judged by the staff of University of Texas at Austin/Engaging News Project “We at the Engaging News Project were honored to judge this contest and get a first-hand look at the amazing work being done at news organizations across the country,” said Dr. Talia Stroud, director of the Engaging News Project and associate professor of communication studies at the University of Texas at Austin. “It was great to see the variety of ways in which local news outlets are engaging with their audiences, and we were particularly impressed with the overall quality and innovation that many organizations presented.” Community Impact was among two news organizations that captured the most awards, placing first and second among a total of 14 categories.

1st Place - Best Overall Local News Strategy for a site with fewer than 250,000 monthly unique visitors

1st Place - Best Social Media Strategy for a site with fewer than 250,000 monthly unique visitors

2nd Place - Best Strategy to Grow Digital Audience

2nd Place - Best Local Website for a site with fewer than 250,000 monthly unique visitors

The winners conducted presentations at the LMA Digital Revenue Summit. During the event, Chief Content Officer David Arkin and Digital Product Manager Emilie Lutostanski accepted the awards on behalf of Community Impact Newspaper. “We are thrilled to receive these awards from the Local Media Association. They showcase our strong efforts in advancing our digital content and experience for our readers,” Arkin said. “We're very focused on creating useful, local news in more innovative ways than ever before.” The competition was free to enter and the first of its kind hosted by LMA, which assists more than 3,000 local media companies with transformative strategies via unique programs, conferences, webinars, research and training. “This is a highly competitive contest that recognizes the best of local media when it comes to digital innovation,” said Nancy Lane, president of the Local Media Association. “There is no other contest like it. The bragging rights are huge for the winners.”