CBSNews.com Wins Online Award

CBSNews.com was awarded first place in the Online News Association's 2004 "Enterprise Journalism" category for its participation in the 60 Minutes exclusive on the Abu Ghraib prison abuse scandal, the association announced.

Judges for the category, which recognizes stories that cover major news and offer compelling and original analysis and interpretation of major events, said "CBSNews.com did an excellent job of extending the story for the Web. It was packaged well and provided content that went far beyond what was in the television reports."

In addition to the breaking news coverage of the story, which was first aired on 60 Minutes, the Web site provide extra material including supporting documents, photo essays and interactives that gave depth to the coverage.

"Online News Association members represent the best in Internet journalism, and we're honored to receive this award from our peers" said Michael Sims, Director of News and Operations for CBSNews.com

The BBC Online was the winner of the Overall Exellence award for large Web sites. The judges praised the site for being well-designed and easy to navigate, offering versions optimized for narrow and broadband, Web and mobile devices. They use video and audio extensively, taking advantage of the deep resources of BBC News around the world.

Attendees at the Online News Association meeting were told that the future of news is online by Tom Curley, president and chief executive officer of the Associated Press.

Traditional media outlets must learn to tailor their products for consumers who demand instant, personalized information, Curley told the group on Nov. 12.

The growth of high-speed broadband connections is leading to a future in which computers are always on "and so are the users," he said.

CBSNews.com is the Internet service of CBS News, providing the latest breaking news coupled with in-depth interactives to give context and perspective to important stories.

In addition to being the online home of 60 Minutes, 60 Minutes Wednesday, 48 Hours Mystery, the CBS Evening News and The Early Show, among other CBS News broadcasts.