How to Enter the Inspire Global Media Awards 2027

COMMISSIONED OR INDEPENDENT WORK?

Commissioned work is created for a publisher, broadcaster or media organisation with editorial oversight. Independent work is created and published outside a traditional commissioning relationship, including work distributed through a creator’s own channels. Independently produced work may be eligible for different Awards depending on its format, editorial approach and publication. Commercial partnerships or sponsorship do not automatically exclude an entry, provided any relevant support is disclosed and the work meets the Award’s editorial and eligibility requirements.

VIDEO OR TELEVISION?

Video of the Year recognises individual video-led travel stories, including commissioned and independently produced work, published across digital platforms. Television Broadcast of the Year recognises professionally produced television programmes and documentaries, including those distributed through broadcasters and established streaming services. The distinction is based on the nature of the production and its distribution, rather than simply its length.

TRAVEL GUIDE OF THE YEAR – PRINT AND DIGITAL

Travel Guide of the Year is a single category for print and digital travel guides, assessed against the same editorial standards. Substantive editorial depth requires evidence of four qualities:

1. Depth of developed editorial treatment.
2. Breadth of coverage within the guide’s defined scope.
3. Original research and editorial authority.
4. Sustained practical reference value.

An individual feature, itinerary, social media post or collection of recommendations does not qualify merely because it is described as a guide. Neither word count, page count, publisher reputation nor publishing format independently determines eligibility. Digital guides are assessed for editorial quality and usefulness, rather than platform technology or functionality.

PHOTO STORY OF THE YEAR – IMAGE ELIGIBILITY

Photo Story entries must meet the category-specific requirements for commissioned work, publication and image selection set out on the Awards Categories page. The following additional image eligibility and technical requirements also apply.

• Images shot using film or digital cameras are eligible. Film images must be scanned and submitted digitally.
• Normal photographic editing is permitted, but entrants must not manipulate an image or elements within its composition in a manner that materially changes what was present in the original image.
• Composite images created from multiple photographs are not permitted, except for legitimate stitched panoramas or exposure bracketing of the same scene.
• Replacement of elements within an image, including sky replacement, is not permitted.
• Images generated wholly or partially using artificial intelligence are ineligible.
• Submitted judging images must not display watermarks, copyright notices, photographer names or other identifying marks where anonymous judging is required.
• Submitted images should be JPEG files at 72dpi and should normally not exceed 2MB. Entries will not be automatically disqualified solely for exceeding 2MB.
• Entrants progressing to final judging may be required to supply original image files, including RAW files where available, and/or adjacent images from the original sequence.
• Original files must retain their available metadata.
• Entrants must own or hold the necessary rights to submit the images. Images infringing another photographer’s copyright are ineligible.