Globe Awards Spotlight Digital Storytelling Impact

Globe is putting greater emphasis on the power of digital engagement as it opens nationwide submissions for the 13th Globe Media Excellence Awards (GMEA@13), introducing a new recognition for stories that not only inform audiences but also inspire meaningful online conversations.

Carrying the theme “The Next Great Filipino Story,” this year’s awards invite journalists, broadcasters, photographers, editors, bloggers, and digital content creators from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to showcase stories reflecting progress, innovation, public service, and positive transformation in Filipino communities.

One of the major additions to GMEA@13 is the Most Engaging Story of the Year, a special award created to recognize journalism and digital storytelling that combines strong editorial quality with significant audience response.

“This year’s theme will champion ‘The Next Great Filipino Story,’ heralding a new era of purpose-driven storytelling which not only resonates but drives people to act and get involved,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer.

Crisanto added that Globe looks forward to recognizing media practitioners and creators whose work demonstrates relevance, purpose, and conviction.

Unlike the primary categories, entrants do not need to submit a separate application for the Most Engaging Story award. Entries across the main categories automatically qualify for consideration, with the top five finalists from each category moving into a specialized evaluation pool.

The new recognition will use a 50/50 judging framework. Half of the score will be based on Content Quality, using journalistic standards applied during the primary judging process. The other 50% will measure Social Media Engagement based on verified audience interactions such as reactions, shares, comments, and views in relation to the post’s total reach.

The approach reflects how storytelling has evolved in the digital era, where the impact of a story can extend beyond publication or broadcast and become part of wider public discussion.

GMEA@13 will offer more than ₱300,000 in total cash grants across its different divisions.

Primary categories under Integrated Media include Online News Report of the Year, Photo of the Year, Radio News Report of the Year, and TV News Report of the Year. Digital Storytelling categories include Best Blog Post and Best Social Media Video.

Special recognitions include Newsmaker of the Year, Editor of the Year, Globe of Good Story of the Year, and the newly introduced Most Engaging Story of the Year.

Globe is also encouraging greater regional representation by accepting eligible entries in local languages from across the Philippines without requiring an English translation. Entrants are encouraged to provide evidence demonstrating the impact of their work, including community action, policy changes, or measurable audience response.

Submissions are open from August 17 to September 16, 2026, through Globe’s official Globe Media Excellence Awards portal.

As GMEA enters its 13th year, the awards continue to recognize the changing role of Philippine media and digital creators. With the addition of an engagement-focused category, Globe is highlighting a broader measure of storytelling success—one that considers not only how well a story is told, but also how effectively it connects with audiences and encourages Filipinos to participate in conversations that matter.