We are now welcoming applications for judges for the 2024 National Magazine Awards, Digital Publishing Awards, and the National Magazine Awards: B2B.
Since 1977, the National Media Awards Foundation has promoted and honoured excellence in journalism, writing, and visual creation in the Canadian magazine industry. In 2023, almost 2,000 entries across all three of our awards programs were evaluated by a dedicated roster of more than 230 volunteer judges from all areas of the magazine and digital publishing industries.
We welcome applications from people who bring different perspectives to the judging process—from established industry leaders to celebrated emerging talents. We are also committed to addressing systemic racism and structural biases in Canadian media by ensuring that our judging panels are reflective of Canada’s cultural diversity.
Judging will take place remotely in February and March 2024. To volunteer as a judge, please fill out the application form and someone on our team will get back to you. If you have any questions about how to apply or the rest of the judging process, please email us at staff@magazine-awards.com.
Information for New and Returning Judges
Candidates interested in adjudicating for the NMAF should fulfill one or more of the following criteria:
- Internationally renowned journalist, editor, designer or other expert with an interest in supporting the NMAF fulfill its mission;
- Editor, art director, publisher, web editor or other staff member (past or present) of a Canadian magazine, whether or not your publication participates in the National Magazine Awards, Digital Publishing Awards, or National Magazine Awards: B2B;
- Freelance or staff writer, illustrator, photographer or digital creator, where a significant portion of your work is in Canadian publications (especially if you have been nominated for or won a National Magazine Award, Digital Publishing Award, or National Magazine Award: B2B yourself);
- Journalist (print, broadcast, digital) with expertise in a particular field represented by one or more NMA, DPA, or NMA: B2B categories (such as photojournalism, service, arts & culture, fiction, poetry, etc);
- Academic or industry leader with expertise in a particular field;
- Professionals and leaders from related cultural sectors, including the visual arts (film and television), the literary arts (book writing & publishing) and the performing arts (theatre, music);
- Bilingual: Not all of our judges need to be bilingual, but all awards juries will have at least one bilingual member.
The time commitment is dependent on the number of entries we receive, and judges are only assigned to a category once the call for entries closes. During category assignments, we take into consideration one’s preference, experience, availability, and potential conflicts of interest.