The ARA, finalist in two international WAN-IFRA awards

WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers, has announced the finalists for the Digital Media Awards 2026, considered one of the most prestigious international recognitions in the sector. In this edition, ARA has been selected as a finalist in two categories: Best data visualization, for the interactive SOS: el Montseny se ahoga, and Best marketing campaign for Descarta el cuñadismo.This year, the awards received 811 submissions from around the world, of which 278 have reached the final stage, representing 78 countries. The winners will be announced on June 2 in Marseille, as part of the World News Media Congress 2026.

The Best data visualization category rewards works that manage to convert complex information into clear, attractive, and accessible narratives. That is why SOS: el Montseny se ahoga has been recognized, a multimedia investigation that combines data journalism, satellite analysis, and visual storytelling to explain how the Montseny Natural Park has lost nearly 900 hectares of forest in the last twenty years. The project is the result of collaboration between ARA, researchers and academics from the UB and UNAM, CREAF experts, and the park's management.

The interactive focuses on a seemingly counterintuitive idea: the forest degrades not only due to drought, but also due to lack of forest management and uncontrolled growth. Through interactive maps, visual comparators, and graphics designed to facilitate understanding, the report identifies the main factors explaining the deterioration of Montseny and also gathers the voices of scientists and specialists to point out possible solutions. 

The second nomination is for Discard the cunyadismo, a finalist in the category of Best marketing campaign for a journalistic brand, which recognizes the most impactful campaigns driven by media to grow audiences, reinforce brand positioning, and strengthen the trust and public value of journalism.

The campaign starts from a very recognizable figure in popular imagination: that of the "brother-in-law" who confidently opines on any topic, often based on clichés, prejudices, or disinformation. It turns "cuñadismo" (know-it-all attitude) into an antagonist and champions journalism as the best tool to refute unfounded claims with contrasted data and context that can be read in its content. 

The creative idea is inspired by the visual codes of meme language, reinterpreted with the tone and brand identity of l’ARA. The result is a campaign that combines humor and informational precision to highlight useful journalism, capable of fostering critical thinking in a context marked by disinformation.

These two recognitions place l’ARA among the finalists of awards that distinguish some of the most outstanding projects in digital journalism, product innovation, and audience engagement internationally. If, like the World Association of News Publishers, you also value our journalism, we encourage you to subscribe to ARA in the plan you prefer. And if you are already a subscriber, you can help us grow the community by gifting a subscription to whomever you wish with an exclusive discount.