Judging Criteria & Competition Rules
Citygate Network’s Media Innovation Competition will take place February 16, 2026 – May 1, 2026. This competition showcases some of the most dynamic and compelling media created by and for Citygate Network members.
Entries may be created in-house or by an outside agency and must highlight the work of a Citygate Network member ministry. Citygate Network business members are also eligible, recognizing the creative partnerships that support and strengthen our ministries.
The Media Innovation Competition will be judged by independent professionals who work within each of the competition's categories.
Make sure your entries meet the following criteria, and be sure to review the competition rules below for further information.
Annual Report | General Brochure | Newsletter
Please note that print publications must have been produced in the 2025 calendar year; however, annual reports created in 2026 for 2025 reporting are also eligible. Mailed in items must be postmarked by April 29, 2026.
Annual Report: 1 entry allowed
Brochure & Newsletter: Maximum of 2 entries per category
Judges for the annual Media Innovation Competition evaluate print submissions based on a number of criteria, including:
- Layout: How well does the publication catch the eye, create a visual flow, and/or draw the reader's attention to the content?
- Content: Is the ministry name well-identified in the publication? Is the piece easy to read? Is the purpose or theme of the publication clearly communicated in the text? Do the headlines or "teaser phrases" highlight the content of the publication? Are captions related to the text? Is the publication an appropriate size and length?
- Human interest: Does the publication appropriately share how lives have been changed through the organization's ministry?
- Effective use of photos/graphics: Are the photos and/or graphics compelling, and do they accurately illustrate the theme of the publication? Are the photos and fonts properly sized for the publication?
- Uniqueness of presentation: What creative elements are used to capture the interest of the reader?
- Ability to evoke response: Did the publication achieve the purpose of the writer? Did the publication produce a significant and measurable result?
Photography
Please note that photos must have been taken (but not necessarily used) in the 2025 calendar year.
Photography: Maximum of 3 entries allowed
Judges for the annual Media Innovation Competition will evaluate photos based on a number of criteria, including:
- General characteristics: Originality, style, context, photographic vision, empathy, insight, validity.
- Technical: Exposure, focus/sharpness, depth of field, color and/or tonal rendition, contrast, lighting.
- Visual and Aesthetic: Framing and choice of viewpoint, background, design elements and principles, appropriate application of photographic and/or manipulative techniques, visual impact.
- Content: Information, emotion, mood, feeling, symbolism, meaning, communication through the language of photography and visual art, the moment, relevance, subject impact.
- Viewer’s response: Visual, aesthetic, intellectual, emotional, excitement, interest.
Video: Short | Extended
Please note that all videos submitted must have been produced during the 2025 calendar year.
The contest includes two video categories: (1) Short videos such as reels, PSAs, or commercials (60 seconds or less), and (2) Extended videos (longer than 60 seconds) that tell a client's testimony, the ministry's story, or are used for banquets and fundraising purposes.
Short & Extended Video: Maximum of 2 entries per category
Judges for the annual Media Innovation Competition will evaluate video submissions in both categories based on a number of criteria, including:
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General characteristics: Originality, creativity, storytelling approach, clarity of message, empathy, insight, authenticity.
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Story & content: Narrative strength, relevance, emotional impact, clarity, pacing, connection to mission and life transformation.
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Technical: Video and audio quality, camera work, lighting, focus/stability, editing, transitions, color correction.
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Visual & aesthetic: Cinematography, composition, shot variety, use of b-roll, visual flow, overall impact.
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Editing & structure: Story flow, timing, rhythm, sequencing, engagement appropriate to length.
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Viewer response: Emotional, intellectual, and visual engagement; interest, memorability, and impact.
Web-based: Website | Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn | Podcast
Please note that websites and social media will be judged in their current state during the judging period.
Social Media: 1 entry allowed per category
Website
Judges for the annual Media Innovation Competition will evaluate website submissions based on a number of criteria, including:
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Content: Clarity, depth, accuracy, and relevance of information; effectiveness in communicating the ministry’s mission, impact, and programs; content is current and useful.
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Design & usability: Visual appeal, layout, navigation, readability, accessibility, and overall user experience; effective use of visuals, video, audio, and graphics.
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Originality: Creative approach, distinctive storytelling, and unique presentation of the ministry and its work.
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Engagement & response: Ability to encourage interaction, involvement, and return visits; clear calls to action and regularly updated content.
Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn
Judges for the annual Media Innovation Competition will evaluate social media submissions based on a number of criteria, including:
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Identity & clarity: Ministry name is clearly identified and consistently represented across platforms.
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Connection & navigation: Content naturally directs audiences to the ministry website and key resources; navigation is intuitive.
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Content & scope: Feeds reflect the breadth of the ministry’s work, programs, and impact.
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Storytelling: Content clearly communicates who the ministry serves, what it does, and why it matters.
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Engagement & action: Giving, prayer, and volunteer opportunities are clearly presented and easy to find.
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Brand strength: Feeds consistently reinforce the ministry’s brand, voice, and visual identity.
Podcast
Judges for the annual Media Innovation Competition will evaluate podcast submissions based on a number of criteria, including:
- Content & substance: Clarity, depth, accuracy, and relevance of topics; effectiveness in communicating the ministry’s mission, values, and impact; episodes are meaningful, well-structured, and informative.
- Production quality: Audio clarity, editing, pacing, consistency, and overall listening experience; professional use of music, transitions, and sound design where appropriate.
- Storytelling & voice: Ability to tell compelling stories that humanize the ministry’s work and those it serves; authentic tone and distinctive perspective.
- Engagement & accessibility: Clear purpose for the audience; episodes are easy to find, well-titled, and described; content encourages continued listening and sharing.
- Integration & impact: Podcast complements and strengthens the ministry’s broader communications (website, social media, events, or campaigns) and helps build trust, understanding, and connection with listeners.
2026 Rules
- All submissions must be made using an online entry form.
- PRINT PUBLICATIONS: ANNUAL REPORT, GENERAL BROCHURE, NEWSLETTER | Only items produced for use in 2025 may be entered. Annual Reports created in 2026 for 2025 reporting are also eligible.
- You must mail-in one hard copy for each submitted publication per category and include the name of the vendor (if applicable). For example, you may submit one copy of the May/June 2025 issue of your newsletter, or one copy each of the March/April and May/June 2025 issues. Please do not submit more than two different issues published during the year. Mailed items must be postmarked by April 29, 2026.
- PHOTOGRAPHY | Photographs must have been taken in 2025 (though they do not need to have been published that year). Submissions should relate directly to your mission/ministry, including the people you serve, methods of service, or outcomes of ministry. Please include the photographer’s name and the date the photo was taken.
- Images must be high resolution and no larger than 3 MB. All photography must be original (not stock), and entrants must own the rights to publish the photos. Photos will be uploaded through the online entry form made available closer to the contest date (printed copies are not required). Please self-edit and submit only your best three entries.
- VIDEOS | Video submissions may be entered in two categories, and must have been produced in 2025:
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Short Videos (up to 60 seconds), such as PSAs or commercials, or
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Extended Videos (longer than 60 seconds), created to tell a client’s story, support fundraising efforts, or be shown at special events.
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- WEBSITE + SOCIAL MEDIA | Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, & LinkedIn) and websites will be judged in their current 2026 state. Please provide the URL(s) as indicated on the online entry form, which will be made available closer to the contest date.
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PODCAST | Podcast submissions must have been produced in 2025. Entries may include a single episode or a short series and should clearly reflect the mission, work, and impact of a Citygate Network member ministry. Please provide the podcast title, episode name(s), and a direct link or audio file as indicated on the online entry form.
All submissions must be completed online by May 1, 2026.
How to enter the Media Innovation Competition
Here's how to enter:
- Choose your categories. You may submit work in the categories: Newsletters | Brochures | Annual Reports | Photos | Short Videos | Extended Videos | Podcast
- Determine your budget category. This is not project/department budget, but total operating budget of your ministry. Please choose from one of the following: up to $4,000,000 | between $4,000,000 - $10,000,000 | more than $10,000,000
- Review competition rules and judging criteria.
- Complete the online entry form. Use the online entry form for ALL categories by entering titles and vendor information. For print media categories, you will mail in one copy of each entry; for all other categories, you will upload digital files or enter URLs.
- Confirm entry submission. You will receive a confirmation email after successfully submitting entries through the online entry form. If for some reason you do not receive a confirmation, please email Bethany Wininger at bwininger@citygatenetwork.org.
- Mail in your hard copies for judging. For print categories, please download, print, and mail in a hard copy of the mail-in entry form with your publications.
If you have questions, please email Bethany Wininger at bwininger@citygatenetwork.org..