• by Ray Schultz , Yesterday

Newsweek has launched a sports awards program that puts decision-making power into the hands of readers themselves: the Fans’ Choice Awards.

Fans are being invited to nominate and vote for their favorite teams and destinations in categories ranging from the best NASCAR Sports Complex to the Loudest WNBA Homecourt. 

“Sports fans are the heart of almost every headline,” said Jennifer H. Cunningham, editor in chief at Newsweek. “Fans’ Choice gives them a direct platform to make their voices heard and highlight the performances and stories that truly move them.”

In contrast with Newsweek’s authoritative rankings, which rely on input from industry experts and data analysts, the program will focus on heartfelt stories from the ground up.  

The project was developed in collaboration with EVG Media.

“With 100 million readers, Newsweek's influence is clear,” said Brian Kolb, CEO of EVG Media. “Fans' Choice Award nomination is a testament to a brand’s superiority. Winning a Fans’ Choice Award clearly indicates that a brand has staying power and has earned the loyalty of fans."  

Newsweek’s sports coverage reached over six million readers in May, with readership doubling YOY. Its contributing sportswriters publish over 1,500 articles per month.  

“This initiative empowers fans to shape the conversation,” says Josh Smith, senior director, growth & strategic partnerships at Newsweek. “It’s a reflection of how we’re evolving as a brand to be more interactive, more dynamic, and more in tune with what our readers care about.”