Everyone knows the media industry is critical in informing and serving our local communities. And we want to ensure that the companies and individuals within those organizations get the recognition they deserve! Through the AAF Western Region’s Best of the West Media Awards, media companies of all shapes and sizes, individual employees, and aspiring media students in the Western U.S. have an opportunity to be acknowledged for their excellence in media and service to their communities.
Each year, entrants will vie for a Best of the West Media Award in twenty categories designed to acknowledge company, individual, and student contributions. Everyone has a chance to win, from large-market media giants to small-town local shops. The competition is purposefully built for media organizations of all types, ensuring that outlets in different markets compete against those of similar sizes.
This year’s winners include:
- Magazine of the Year: Colorado Fun Guide
- Website of the Year: Reno Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority
- Blog/Podcast of the Year: Students of Design
- Locally Produced Radio or Television Program of the Year: Education Insight
- Media Professional of the Year: Mike DellaVella
- Agency Professional of the Year: Chris Thigpen
- Young Achiever Award: Bailey Allen
- Advertising Agency of the Year ($10M-$50M in billing): E29Marketing
- Advertising Agency of the Year ((under $10M in billing): TIE: Design on Edge AND Neon Pig Creative
- Media Agency of the Year ($10 million to $50 million in billing): Vision Media
- Government Media Outlet of the Year: Arizona Department of Health Services
- Public Service Campaign or Event of the Year: Arizona Heat Safety and Education
The judges for the competition were Bethany Beaman, Account Supervisor at Curiosity, Nathaniel Navratil, Creative Director/Owner at Foley and Austin Sandy, Digital Marketing Manager at Grey Media.
