Connected Nation Celebrates 25 Years of Advancing Digital Inclusion with Esteemed Awards

Celebrating 25 Years of Digital Inclusion

Connected Nation (CN) is commemorating a significant milestone—its 25th anniversary—by earning three notable Communicator Awards. This organization is a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to technology and digital opportunities. The awards serve as a testament to CN's enduring impact in promoting digital inclusion through quality storytelling and innovative communications strategies.

During this year’s presentation of the Communicator Awards, Connected Nation secured an Award of Excellence, the highest honor available, along with two Awards of Distinction. These accolades highlight CN’s exceptional work in the podcasting arena and its ability to convey inspiring narratives that foster digital inclusion—a mission that has been at the heart of their work since inception.

Industry Recognition

This recognition places Connected Nation alongside globally renowned brands like NBC, Netflix, and The Walt Disney Company. CN’s efforts in effective communication reflect the ongoing demand for impactful storytelling that resonates deeply with audiences. According to Tom Ferree, the Chairman and CEO of Connected Nation, these awards signify the importance of human-centered storytelling, particularly those focusing on access and equity in the digital world. This year’s accolades recognize CN’s ability to compete with some of the largest organizations in the media landscape, demonstrating that their message is both powerful and necessary.

The awards were presented by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA). The AIVA's rigorous evaluation process emphasizes innovation, effectiveness, and excellence—criteria that CN met with flying colors. Jessica Denson, CN's Communications Director, reiterated that these honors indicate that their mission-driven messages are cutting through the noise of today's crowded media environment, affirming that stories about closing the digital divide are reaching the audience they are meant to serve.

Award Categories

The prestigious award of excellence was bestowed upon Connected Nation for an episode of their podcast focusing on technology, access, and everyday experiences. The credits for this award include Jessica Denson as Executive Producer and Host, along with the contributions of Lily McCoy as Editor and Kailynn Bannon as Editor and Writer.

In addition to the main award, Connected Nation was also celebrated for two stories that received Awards of Distinction. The piece “A Journey of Digital Inclusion: Meet the 2025 Student Broadband Hero Award Winner” was recognized in the categories for General – Non-Profit and General – Causes & Awareness. This storytelling piece showcases the tangible impacts of their mission and highlights the vital role individuals play in advancing connectivity and inclusion in their communities.

Looking Ahead

As Connected Nation moves forward into the next 25 years, these recognitions serve as a reminder of the organization’s commitment to enhancing lives by expanding access to broadband technology and its related applications. The organization continues to adapt its storytelling methods to reflect its evolving mission through podcasts, video content, and multimedia journalism, aiming to elevate the voices of those who benefit from the connectivity they foster.

In conclusion, the 2026 Communicator Awards not only celebrate the past accomplishments of Connected Nation but also set the stage for future endeavors. They exemplify how important it is for organizations to adhere to their mission of fostering inclusivity and access in this digital age, ultimately bringing communities together to harness the power of technology.

For more information on Connected Nation and its achievements, visit their website at connectednation.org.