GLOBAL: WARC is today launching the 2017 WARC Media Awards, a comprehensive set of awards spread across four categories, with a $40,000 Prize fund to reward communications planning which has made a positive impact on business results for brands around the world.

"In today's world, the integration of media and creative planning has never been more important," says Charlie Chappell, Head of Global Integrated Media at The Hershey Company, and chair of the judging panel for the Effective Channel Integration category.

"Breaking down silos and coming together to deliver great work is what we often see winning in the marketplace," he adds. "This award scheme will celebrate some of the best work in this area."

As with all WARC's award schemes, entry is free and papers submitted as effectiveness case studies are welcomed from any territory or discipline. Further details, including entry kit and entry form, can be found on the WARC Media Awards website. The deadline for entries is 19 September 2017.

The prize fund will be spread across four categories, each with their own judging panel. In addition to Effective Channel Integration, chaired by Chappell, there is Effective Use of Data, chaired by Nicole Kane, Director, Global Media, McDonald's, and Effective Use of Partnerships and Sponsorships, chaired by Jerry Daykin, Digital, Media & Partnerships Lead, Diageo.

The chair of the Effective Use of Tech category will be announced shortly, as will full details of the judging panels for all the specific categories.

Gold, Silver and Bronze winners for the highest-scoring cases will be awarded across the four categories with a $7,000 Grand Prix for the best paper. Judges will also grant three $1,000 Special Awards in each category.

WARC's Media Casebook, an analysis of the winning entries to last year's competition, will be published next Monday and, with advice and tips, will be a helpful guide for anyone who is thinking of entering the Awards this year.

Data sourced from WARC