The IAB Bookmark Awards is the highest recognition for online publishers in South Africa. In fact, it sets the benchmark for tech, digital and leading edge innovation.
“We’re so proud of Media24’s success at the awards ceremony. The company made a clean sweep of five award categories,” said Ané Honiball, General Manager of Ads24, “Media24 is fast migrating from print to digital, and we are proud of the fact that outstanding storytelling combined with the innovative use of technology creates so many new opportunities for advertisers. It’s undoubtedly a recipe for access.”
Gold Award for Craft, News or Feature Writing – Die stil aktivis
Netwerk24 won a Gold Award in the ‘Craft, News or Feature Writing’ category for “Die stil aktivis” (The silent activist) by Le Roux Schoeman.
“This is a massive achievement for both Netwerk24 and NetNuus. It shows that we can not only compete with the best, but also be the best – in a language such as Afrikaans. Netwerk24 and NetNuus were the only Afrikaans entries that were awarded. The Gold Award especially shows that we remain committed to journalism. Our work is highly respected and advertisers can rest assured that they’re associating with quality content,” said Honiball.
NetNuus won a Silver Award for publisher app – Yellow brick road to success
NetNuus is all about blurbs, headlines and skimming the news when you’re really pressed for time. It’s a free, in-app experience with a bit of a wider content focus than Netwerk24. Also, it’s the only app of its kind in South Africa. It provides snackable news and an opportunity for its audience to stay informed and to engage with the content.
Netwerk24 won a Silver Award for a publisher site – Lessons behind a pay wall
Netwerk24 has had a hard pay wall since July 2016 and so far it has been a great success with readers willing to pay for this premium Afrikaans content.
“The pay wall might restrict access, but it gives our loyal and potential advertisers the sweet assurance that they’re reaching a very loyal and committed audience with a high disposable income. Our readers have deliberately made the choice to purchase our high-quality and award-winning content online. Furthermore, advertisers are always impressed when they learn just how engaged our audience is with our content. The engagement levels really are something special.”
Soccer Laduma won a Silver Award for specialist publisher site
Soccer Laduma is a mass market title with an effective reach of approximately 5.9 million people. Digitally it reaches about 1.5 million people (combined UB’s). It provides breaking news, interviews and analysis on local and international football complemented by user-generated content constantly feeding off each other to create a 24-hour hub of interaction.
“This is proof that Soccer Laduma is the biggest active football community in South Africa across its print, web, mobile and social media properties,” said Honiball.
Daily Sun won a Bronze award for social media publications – Tshwane on fire
The Daily Sun is called the people’s paper for a reason. As South Africa’s biggest daily newspaper it proudly tells the stories of the people of Mzansi, as they are. The printed paper remains strong, but there is also huge engagement and a significant following on its social media sites which are tailored for a mobile audience. This market is becoming increasingly connected and the Daily Sun Facebook and Twitter pages form communities of the future.
“Through advertising on Daily Sun’s different properties you’re also effectively reaching 5.4 million people. That’s massive – and an insanely excellent opportunity to grow your brand and product range,” concluded Honiball.
About Ads24
Ads24 reaches six in ten South Africans, including print and digital readers. Ads24 touches the lives of over a half of all South Africans adults. While it is important to identify the size and segment the audience, looking at how Ads24 engages with its readers, is equally as important.
Ads24 is part of the Media24 Group representing 97 newspaper titles. From Dailies to Sunday papers to locals, Ads24 reaches almost every target segment in South Africa, no small achievement in such a diverse country. The most exciting element is how these titles become part of the community that Ads24 serves.
A news reader is an engaged reader. Ads24 news brands play an important and unique role in the daily lives of their readers. Ads24 sees beyond the numbers, beyond the market segments, to connect with the people on a personal level. Ads24 has the stats, the numbers, but also the insights.
