Deadline: 16-Jun-2026
The INMA 30 Under 30 initiative recognises and supports emerging media professionals under the age of 30 who are driving innovation across journalism, product, audience engagement, data, and marketing. Selected honourees receive global recognition, professional development opportunities, INMA membership, and access to Media Innovation Week 2026 in Madrid.
The INMA 30 Under 30 programme, led by the International News Media Association (INMA), celebrates young professionals who are shaping the future of the media industry.
The initiative highlights individuals under 30 whose work demonstrates innovation, leadership, and measurable impact across key areas of modern media, including journalism, audience strategy, product development, data, and marketing.
About the International News Media Association (INMA)
INMA is a global organisation dedicated to helping news media companies grow audiences, increase revenue, and strengthen brand relevance.
It works with media professionals worldwide through research, training, conferences, and recognition programmes focused on innovation and sustainability in journalism and media business models.
What Is the INMA 30 Under 30 Programme?
INMA 30 Under 30 is a global recognition initiative designed to elevate early-career professionals who are already making a significant contribution to the media industry.
The programme focuses on:
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Innovation and creative problem-solving
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Leadership and initiative within organisations
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Impact on audience growth, engagement, or revenue
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Forward-thinking approaches to media challenges
Honourees represent the next generation of leaders driving transformation in news and media organisations.
Who Is Eligible?
The programme is open to media professionals who meet the age and professional criteria.
Eligible candidates must:
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Be under the age of 30 at the time of selection
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Work in the media or news industry
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Demonstrate innovation and impact in their role
Eligible professional areas include, but are not limited to:
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Journalism and editorial
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Audience engagement and growth
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Product management and development
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Data and analytics
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Marketing, branding, and subscriptions
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Technology and newsroom innovation
What Do Selected Honourees Receive?
Global Recognition and Visibility
INMA 30 Under 30 honourees receive international recognition through:
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A virtual announcement by INMA
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Featured visibility on INMA.org
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A dedicated press release amplifying their achievements
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A digital certificate of recognition
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A branded social media badge for professional platforms
This recognition helps elevate personal and organisational profiles within the global media industry.
Professional Development Benefits
Selected individuals gain access to valuable learning and growth opportunities, including:
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Free access to two INMA Virtual Master Classes of their choice
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A 12-month INMA membership for non-member recipients
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Year-round access to:
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Industry research and insights
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Training resources
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Global peer networks
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These benefits are designed to support continued leadership development.
Media Innovation Week 2026 (Madrid)
Honourees also receive:
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A complimentary conference ticket to Media Innovation Week 2026
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Event location: Madrid, Spain
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Event timing: September 2026
This experience provides opportunities to:
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Connect with global media leaders and innovators
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Learn from cutting-edge case studies
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Build international professional networks
How the Programme Works
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Candidates are nominated or apply according to INMA guidelines
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Applications are reviewed based on innovation, leadership, and impact
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Selected individuals are announced globally
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Honourees receive recognition, learning benefits, and event access
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Participants continue to engage with INMA’s global media community
Why This Initiative Matters
The media industry is undergoing rapid transformation driven by technology, changing audience behaviour, and new business models.
The INMA 30 Under 30 programme matters because it:
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Recognises young professionals driving real change
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Encourages innovation at early career stages
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Builds a global network of future media leaders
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Supports continuous learning and professional growth
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Amplifies diverse voices shaping the future of journalism and media
By investing in people, INMA helps future-proof the industry.
Tips for Strong Applications or Nominations
Applicants and nominators are encouraged to:
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Clearly describe the problem addressed and the solution delivered
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Highlight measurable impact and results
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Demonstrate leadership, initiative, and collaboration
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Show how the work contributes to innovation in media
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Use clear, concise examples rather than general statements
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Focusing only on job titles instead of impact
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Submitting vague or unsupported claims of innovation
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Ignoring outcomes such as audience growth or efficiency gains
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Overlooking cross-functional collaboration
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Failing to explain why the work matters to the wider industry
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is INMA 30 Under 30?
It is a global recognition programme celebrating media professionals under 30 who are driving innovation and impact in the industry.
Who runs the programme?
The programme is organised by the International News Media Association (INMA).
Who can be selected?
Media professionals under the age of 30 working in journalism, product, data, audience, marketing, or related areas.
What recognition do winners receive?
Winners receive global visibility, a certificate, a social media badge, professional learning benefits, and event access.
Do winners receive training opportunities?
Yes. Honourees receive free access to two INMA virtual Master Classes and INMA membership benefits.
Is Media Innovation Week included?
Yes. Winners receive a complimentary conference ticket to Media Innovation Week 2026 in Madrid.
Is the programme open to non-INMA members?
Yes. Non-members selected for the programme receive a 12-month INMA membership.
Conclusion
The INMA 30 Under 30 initiative provides a powerful platform for recognising and supporting young professionals who are already shaping the future of media. Through global recognition, learning opportunities, and international networking, the programme empowers the next generation of media leaders to continue innovating, influencing, and strengthening journalism and media organisations worldwide.
For more information, visit INMA.
