Pioneer Award

for Local Creator Journalism

supported by:

The Pioneer Award for Local Creator Journalism will be presented to an independent journalist using emerging digital platforms to strengthen civil discourse in their local community.

Division finalists will receive a $3,000 stipend, and the division winner will receive a grant of up to $50,000. All division winners are eligible for an additional $25,000 Grand Prize Award.

In this division, judges will look for independent creators that:

exercise editorial control over their own work and use emerging platforms, including podcasting, digital video, newsletters, and/or social media, as their primary distribution and engagement platforms

practice accountability and transparency by explaining their point-of-view, approach, correcting errors, and disclosing any funding sources

have demonstrated impact and audience engagement by providing trustworthy news and information to their local community
(defined as a geographic area)

Pioneer Award for Local Creator Journalism
Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria

Eligibility

U.S.-based independent creators (individuals or collaborations). Independent creators do not need to be legally incorporated.
Exercise editorial control over their own work and are not structurally employed by or contractually subordinate to a media institution that sets editorial priorities, legal strategy, or publishing decisions. This work may not be a program, lab, center, research initiative, or internal venture of a university, nonprofit, or company.
Earned less than US $1,000,000 (gross revenue including philanthropic support) through their publishing work in the twelve months ending December 31, 2025. This does not include investment dollars.
Actively publishing and able to provide access to their content, product, or service as part of their application.

Previous Next Challenge Division Award winners and companies where American Public Media Group (APMG) has an ownership stake are not eligible to apply. Refer to the official rules for detailed eligibility requirements.

Evaluation Criteria

(30%) Division Fit: Has the creator made innovative use of emerging platforms to demonstrate impact and audience engagement in the local community they serve? Do they practice accountability and transparency by explaining their point-of-view, approach, correcting errors, and disclosing any funding sources?

(20%) Innovation: Is this an innovative idea? Does the startup propose a novel, disruptive or unique business concept?

(20%) Audience Impact: Does the startup have a well-defined target market? Will this venture have a significant positive impact on its intended audience?

(20%) Business Model: Does the plan indicate how the product/service will be distributed, have a realistic revenue and pricing model, and demonstrate potential to grow sustainably? Is there evidence that the business concept works?