A new awards programme has been launched to reward the finest examples of digital stakeholder communications. Launched today, the Digital Impact Awards are inviting submissions of digital work developed, launched or carried out between January 2009 and March 2010.

Judged by a jury of digital experts, communications practitioners and academics, the Digital Impact Awards recognise best practice in all areas of corporate communications including media relations, social media, investor relations, and internal communications with categories that focus on strategy, execution, content and evaluation.

Entries are welcomed from in-house communications professionals, digital agencies, business strategists, design firms, advertising agencies, non-profit organisations, and government agencies, and will be accepted until 14 June. Winners will be announced in September at a gala dinner in London.

“Companies increasingly need to talk to all their audiences with a single voice, and digital and social media tools allow companies to achieve that quickly and effectively,” said Andrew Thomas, publisher of Communicate magazine, which is behind the awards. “But with creativity and best practice moving at such a fast pace, it is difficult for organisations to know where excellence lies. We felt digital communication was not properly benchmarked or recognised. Our awards will create an industry-wide benchmark, as well as giving teams the recognition they deserve.”

Drew Benvie, MD of digital agency 33-Digital and a member of the judging panel, commented: “Lessons in digital communications are gold dust right now. With the adoption of new technologies and media consumption habits evolving faster than brands can catch up, recognising innovation and sharing experiences is critical.”

For more information or to enter the awards, visit www.digitalimpactawards.com