Noozhawk
www.noozhawk.com
Award Sponsor: Cox Business
Now in its 17th year, Noozhawk covers everything from breaking news, to government, to education, to business, to the arts, to local sports. Its team of trusted professional journalists delivers a level of quality, reliability, dedication, and objectivity that is unmatched locally. In a time when traditional news outlets are struggling to keep up with changing technologies and shifting consumer preferences, Noozhawk has been leading the way in innovation and accessibility. Its pioneering 24/7 news platform not only delivers essential local coverage but also actively involves the community in contributing additional content, making it a true hub of information.
With 23,000 daily readers and 1.5 million page views monthly, Noozhawk offers local advertisers an effective and affordable way to reach a wide audience. Beyond the numbers, its community support is wide and deep. The site’s Hawks Club membership program, with several thousand enthusiastic donors, plays a crucial role in funding operations and underscores the strong bond between Noozhawk and its readers.
Noozhawk also collaborates with local businesses, foundations, and organizations. From public engagement projects with esteemed institutions like Pepperdine University’s School of Public Policy to partnerships with nonprofits like the Santa Barbara and Hutton Parker foundations, the site is continuously working to deepen its impact and relevance.
Noozhawk has received recognition from prestigious institutions such as USC’s Annenberg School for Communication & Journalism. Moreover, several California Health Journalism Fellowships have enabled the site to dig deep into prescription drug abuse, health-care disparities, COVID-19’s effects on vulnerable communities, and the nexus of law enforcement and mental health services.
Its impact extends beyond just reporting the news, however. Noozhawk helps nurture the next generation of journalists through mentorship and internship programs with local high school and college students. And as a longstanding member of the Local Media Association and a founding member of the Local Independent Online News Publishers, it is helping to shape the future of digital journalism.