The media and brand media first prize in Russia, known as Apostle, has opened applications. This national competition invites publications and projects of all sizes to participate across a dozen distinct categories ranging from design innovation to social impact initiatives. The organizers, the Association of Communications Agencies and the Center for the Development of Business Communications, emphasize that the prize is designed to spotlight creative work that might otherwise struggle to find a stage in a crowded market.
Organizers stress that Apostle provides a platform for every publication or project to express its voice. Whether a large media brand or a smaller startup publication, participants have the chance to showcase what makes their approach unique and resonant with audiences. The competition aims to elevate diverse storytelling formats and to encourage bold experimentation in how stories are created and shared across digital and traditional channels.
The evaluation of winners is entrusted to an expert council that will assess the core elements of each submission. The judging criteria include the originality of the concept, the ingenuity of the approach, the variety of formats, the quality of presentation, and the visual execution. Submissions will be reviewed by seasoned professionals from prominent media groups such as Rambler Co and Independent Media, along with representatives from Aviasales, Pikabu, Habr, and other major portals that participate in the media ecosystem. This panel is constituted to ensure a balanced perspective on both editorial creativity and market viability.
Industry leadership notes that the current media landscape has created space for a premium tier of work that does not require competing with non-core agencies. Rodion Scriabin, head of a leading creative agency, described Apostle as a platform that recognizes and rewards originality without forcing participants to align with traditional agency models. This viewpoint reflects a broader shift toward value-driven content creation that prioritizes effective storytelling within defined brand ecosystems rather than generic, one-size-fits-all campaigns.
Andrey Konovalov, editor-in-chief of Skillbox Media, points out that corporate media frequently yields bright and dynamic content. Participating in Apostle offers a clear opportunity for teams to demonstrate their capabilities, gain visibility among industry peers, and attract potential partnerships that align with their strategic goals. The award also serves as a catalyst for teams to benchmark their work against peers, receive constructive feedback, and refine their craft in a competitive but collaborative environment.
Applications will remain open until May 18, with the results of the competition scheduled to be announced in June. Throughout the process, the organizers emphasize transparency and a fair evaluation framework, enabling participants to understand how their work is judged and what factors most influence the final outcomes. Rambler Co stands as the official media partner for the Apostle award, reinforcing collaboration between content creators and publishing platforms across the industry.