Regional Magazines Shine at IRMA Awards

Sep 20, 2026

TORONTO - Sept. 19, 2026 - PRLog -- Calgary hosted North America's finest regional magazine professionals at the 2026 International Regional Magazine Awards.

The annual event, hosted by the International Regional Media Association (IRMA), took place September 18.

Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit awards were presented in 45 categories, after rigorous judging of 354 entries undertaken by 38 volunteer judges.

"The IRMA Awards celebrate the very best in regional magazine journalism in North America. Our magazine members are vital chronicles of place, people, history and community, and these awards recognize excellence in writing, visual art, editing, art direction and brand marketing. IRMA is honoured to bring these publications and their teams together to celebrate regional storytelling," said Joyce Byrne, Executive Director of IRMA.

This year's Magazine of the Year category was presented to Adirondack Life in the circulation under 34,999 category, and to Texas Highways in the circulation over 35,000 category.

Of Adirondack Life, judges acknowledged the striking covers and beautifully but simply designed features that highlight the lush photography and draw the reader in, as well as thoughtful writing that is full of energy on important topics.

Judges praised Texas Highways, saying "Everything is bigger in Texas, and that's a point of pride for Texas Highways, but that also presents a unique journalistic challenge: to document a state so vast and so diverse culturally and topographically in a way that still feels personal and local. What comes across and ties the magazine and state together are the voices of the people that are featured."

Top Gold-winning publications:
  • Texas Highways
  • Arizona Highways
  • Louisiana Life
  • Adirondack Life
  • New Mexico Magazine
2026 Gold Award Winners

Magazine of the Year, Circulation 34,999 or Less:
Adirondack Life
Magazine of the Year, Circulation 35,000 or More: Texas Highways

Public Issues: (Tie) "Addition and Subtraction", Adirondack Life; "Home of the Clouds", Arizona Highways
Historic Feature, Circulation 34,999 or Less: "Strike and Struggle", El Palacio
Historic Feature, Circulation 35,000 or More: "Staring Into Space", Arizona Highways
Nature and Environment, Circulation 34,999 or Less: (Tie) "The River Fixers", Adirondack Life; "Hiding in Plain Sight", Louisiana Life
Nature and Environment, Circulation 35,000 or More: "Gone in Seven Seconds", Texas Highways
Travel Feature: "Arizona Unplugged", Arizona Highways
Art and Culture Feature, Circulation 34,999 or Less: "Mardi Gras Magic", Louisiana Life
Art and Culture Feature, Circulation 35,000 or More: "Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire", Texas Highways
Recreation Feature: "Show of Hands", Texas Highways
General Feature, Circulation 34,999 or Less: "Northern Cousins in a World of Silos", The Yukon Magazine
General Feature, Circulation 35,000 or More: "A Tale of Two Crops", New Mexico Magazine
Profile, Circulation 34,999 or Less: "Character Study", Adirondack Life
Profile, Circulation 35,000 or More: "Forces for Nature", Texas Highways
Reader Service Article: "Flight Of Fancy", New Mexico Magazine
Hed & Dek: (Tie) "Fork Yeah", Acadiana Profile; "Ducking and Weaving", Louisiana Life
Essay: "Amarillo by Morning", Texas Highways
Column: "Editor's Letter", Arizona Highways
Best New Magazine Writer of the Year: "Bobby Alemán: Where the Raindrop Ends", Texas Highways
Magazine Writer of the Year: "Kevin Rabalais", Louisiana Life
Single Photo: "Gone in Seven Seconds", Texas Highways
Photo Series, Circulation 34,999 or Less: "Hoop Net Fishing", Acadiana Profile
Photo Series, Circulation 35,000 or More: "Big Skies", Texas Highways
Portrait Photo: "Bill Anton", Arizona Highways
Portrait Series: (Tie) "The Makers and the Music", Acadiana Profile; "The Young'Uns", Arizona Highways
Magazine Photographer of the Year: "Joel Hazelton", Arizona Highways
Illustration -- Feature or Series: (Tie) "The Cottager's Guide to Cloud Collecting", Cottage Life; "State Parks Field Guide", Oklahoma Today
Spot Illustration: "Open Road: Tied to a String", Texas Highways
Home and Garden: "Into the Woods", Texas Highways
Art Direction of a Single Story, Circulation 34,999 or Less: "Surf and Turf", Louisiana Life
Art Direction of a Single Story, Circulation 35,000 or More: "Music Venues", Texas Highways
Overall Art Direction, Circulation 34,999 or Less: "Sarah Majeste", Acadiana Profile
Overall Art Direction, Circulation 35,000 or More: "Mark Mahorsky, Sara D'Eugenio, Chris Linnen, Brandon Jakobeit", Texas Highways
Department: "Fuel", Texas Highways
Food Feature: "The Reel Deals", Texas Highways
Special Focus: "The Music Issue", Texas Highways
Editorial Package: "The Music Issue", Texas Highways
Cover, Circulation 34,999 or Less: "Hiding in Plain Sight", Louisiana Life
Cover, Circulation 35,000 or More: "Everything's Big Here", Texas Highways
Best Print Calendar: "Louisiana Culinary Calendar", Louisiana Life
Best Brand Innovation: (Tie) "Top 20 Under 20", Avenue; "Route 66 Centennial", New Mexico Magazine
Website of the Year: "arizonahighways.com", Arizona Highways
Newsletter: "New Mexico Magazine, Newsletter", New Mexico Magazine
Podcast: "Arizona Highways Podcast", Arizona Highways

The complete list of winners and finalists can be seen at https://www.irmamagazines.com/2026-irma-awards-winners/

The International Regional Media Association (IRMA) is a member-driven not-for-profit organization dedicated to connecting members through their passion for publishing and their communities. Since 1960, IRMA has been bringing members together to share business successes and celebrate regional stories.

2026 IRMA Members: Acadiana Profile, Adirondack Life, Arizona Wildlife Views, Arizona Highways, Avenue, Bucks County, Cape Cod and the Islands, Cottage Life, Down East, El Palacio, Kansas!, Louisiana Life, Maine Home + Design, Mountain Home, New Mexico, Oklahoma Today, Saltscapes, Texas Highways, The Bermudian, Wyoming Wildlife, The Yukon Magazine.

For inquiries or more information please contact

Joyce Byrne
Executive Director
[email protected]
416-886-8114

Contact
Joyce Byrne
***@gmail.com

Photos: (Click photo to enlarge)




Source: International Regional Magazines Association Inc.

Read Full Story - Regional Magazines Shine at IRMA Awards | More news from this source

Press release distribution by PRLog
MORE NEWS
Alex Eala earns first round bye as No. 3 seed at Singapore Tennis Open
Sep 20, 2026
Alex Eala earns first round bye as No. 3 seed at Singapore Tennis Open

Alexandra Eala received a first-round bye after earning the No. 3 seed in the Singapore Tennis Open.

Eumir Marcial returns with 3rd-round KO of Mexican foe
Sep 20, 2026
Eumir Marcial returns with 3rd-round KO of Mexican foe

Eumir Marcial made a triumphant return to the professional ranks, knocking out Omar Huerta in the third round on Sunday morning (Philippine time) at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

Philippines gets first 2026 Asian Games medal as Women's Soft Tennis Team takes bronze
Sep 20, 2026
Philippines gets first 2026 Asian Games medal as Women's Soft Tennis Team takes bronze

The Philippine women"s soft tennis team officially secured the bronze medal at the 2026 Asian Games after ending its campaign with a 2-0 loss to host Japan on Sunday.

Czechs beat USA to qualify for Davis Cup finals
Sep 20, 2026
Czechs beat USA to qualify for Davis Cup finals

PARIS, France —  Jiri Lehecka downed Learner Tien in a deciding rubber Saturday as the Czech Republic stunned the United States 3-2 in Davis Cup qualifying for a second straight year, while South Korea reached the last eight for the first time. The Czechs knocked out the Americans at the same second qualifying round stage in a decider at Delray Beach a year ago, when Jakub Mensik beat Frances Tiafoe to secure a surprise victory. Tomas Berdych's men repeated the feat in similarly dramatic fashion, to the delight of a raucous home crowd in Prague, as Lehecka clinched a 6-3, 7-5 win over world number 13 Tien. The USA are record 32-time winners of the competition but their wait for a first title since 2007 goes on. The Czechs advance to the November eight-team finals in Bologna, where hosts Italy will bid for a fourth straight title. "The wins in Davis Cup are always a little bit different because this is a team competition," said Lehecka. After starting the day locked at 1-1, the USA nudged ahead as Christian Harrison and Austin Krajicek saved four match points to outlast Adam Pavlasek and Patrik Rikl in a thrilling 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (10/8) win. Mensik then fought back from a set down to keep the tie alive by defeating recent US Open runner-up Ben Shelton 5-7, 6-4, 6-3. Shelton took a tense first set after saving a set point when trailing 5-4, reeling off the last three games. Mensik created a set point at exactly the same stage of the second, but this time made no mistake with a booming forehand to level the match. The 21-year-old, a semi-finalist at this year's French Open, forced the tie into a deciding rubber on his second match point in a tense final game. Lehecka, who beat Shelton in straight sets on Friday, recovered after giving an early break back to take the first set. Tien forged 3-0 ahead as he attempted to force the tie to a final set, but fell away and Lehecka clinched the win on his fourth match point. "I must say it has been a great week. But, most importantly, we made it through as a team," Lehecka said. "Without Jakub winning against Ben, I would not have the chance to play the final match." History-making South Korea  Earlier, South Korea made history by beating India 3-1 in Seoul. Kwon Soon-woo brushed aside Sumit Nagal 6-1, 6-2 to clinch the decisive point for the Koreans, who won both Friday's singles rubbers before India triumphed in the doubles. "I feel very proud for my country and every team I play against, I give my best," said Kwon. Canada beat France 3-1 at Quebec City to reach the last eight. Benjamin Bonzi and Pierre-Hugues Herbert beat Felix Auger-Aliassime and Duncan Chan 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 in doubles to keep France in the fight after two singles losses on Friday. World number five Auger-Aliassime would not be denied, however, as he rallied to defeat France's Arthur Rinderknech 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 to ensure Canada advanced. The Canadians last won the Davis Cup in 2022 while France has not hoisted the trophy since 2017. Austria booked their spot as Jurij Rodionov sealed a 3-1 win for the hosts in Vienna with a 7-6 (8/6), 6-3 victory over Zizou Bergs, Belgium's number one in the absence of Alexander Blockx. Newly-crowned US Open champion Alexander Zverev gave Germany a 1-0 lead over Croatia in Halle, making a quick return to action as he beat Matej Dodig 6-4, 7-6 (7/3). But Germany, who have not won the Davis Cup since 1993, were pegged back to end the first day level as Croatian youngster Dino Prizmic brushed aside Daniel Altmaier 6-4, 6-3. Spain continued their tilt at a seventh title by seizing a 2-0 lead over Chile in Santiago courtesy of singles wins for Daniel Merida and Davis Cup debutant Rafael Jodar over Alejandro Tabilo and Cristian Garin, respectively. Britain's Toby Samuel overcame Andres Andrade of Ecuador and Wimbledon semi-finalist Arthur Fery saw off Alvaro Guillen Meza as the hosts took a 2-0 advantage in London.

LIVE UPDATES: Team Philippines at the 2026 Asian Games -- Sept. 20 | Gilas Pilipinas Women, Alas Pilipinas Women, Soft Tennis
Sep 20, 2026
LIVE UPDATES: Team Philippines at the 2026 Asian Games -- Sept. 20 | Gilas Pilipinas Women, Alas Pilipinas Women, Soft Tennis

The Philippines officially begins its campaign in the 2026 Asian Games in Japan on Sunday with the women's soft tennis team already assured of a medal, the Gilas Pilipinas Women eyeing to bolster its quarterfinal bid against Hong Kong, and Alas Pilipinas Women playing in the classification round.

NBA: Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson agrees to 4-year, $60M extension
Sep 19, 2026
NBA: Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson agrees to 4-year, $60M extension

Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson has agreed to terms on a four-year, $60 million contract extension.

UAAP: Newcomers Veejay Pre, James Payosing shine for UP
Sep 19, 2026
UAAP: Newcomers Veejay Pre, James Payosing shine for UP

READ: UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament – first round MANILA, Philippines—University of the Philippines waited a full year—and one game—to finally see the impact Veejay Pre and James Payosing could make. Pre and Payosing delivered breakout performances as the Fighting Maroons routed Ateneo, 94-75, in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament Saturday night

Asian Games: Philippines eyes medals in busy September 20 slate
Sep 19, 2026
Asian Games: Philippines eyes medals in busy September 20 slate

READ: Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 MANILA, Philippines–Team Philippines has medal opportunities in soft tennis, teqball, wushu and triathlon among a crowded Sept. 20 program at the Asian Games 2026 in Japan. The Philippine women’s soft tennis team faces host Japan in the semifinals, putting the squad within reach

Asian Games: Kayla Sanchez chases first PH swim medal since 1998
Sep 19, 2026
Asian Games: Kayla Sanchez chases first PH swim medal since 1998

READ: Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 MANILA, Philippines — Filipino swimmer Kayla Sanchez enters the Asian Games 2026 in six events as one of the Philippines’ leading medal hopes and part of the country’s attempt to end a swimming podium drought that dates to 1998. Sanchez is entered in

UAAP: UP pulls away from Ateneo in second half for 2-0 start
Sep 19, 2026
UAAP: UP pulls away from Ateneo in second half for 2-0 start

READ: UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament – first round MANILA, Philippines—University of the Philippines clamped down defensively in the second half to pull away from Ateneo, 94-75, and remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Fighting Maroons improved to 2-0 after following up their opening-day

PBA on Tour: Import-less Magnolia routs NLEX
Sep 19, 2026
PBA on Tour: Import-less Magnolia routs NLEX

BATANGAS CITY—Magnolia blew out NLEX, 95-81, on Saturday in the latest stop of the PBA On Tour exhibition series at Batangas City Sports Center here. The Hotshots took control from the onset before building a lead that went as high as 25 to defeat the Road Warriors despite the presence of new import Deonte Burton.

Eumir Marcial’s Asian Games 2026 status made uncertain by pro bout
Sep 19, 2026
Eumir Marcial’s Asian Games 2026 status made uncertain by pro bout

READ: Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 MANILA, Philippines — Eumir Marcial’s participation in the Asian Games 2026 remains uncertain, with the Filipino Olympic bronze medalist’s condition after his Sept. 19 professional fight expected to determine whether he can reach Japan for the men’s 80-kilogram boxing competition. Marcial is scheduled

YOUR NEWS, OUR NETWORK.

Do you have Great News you want to tell the world?

Be it updates about your business or your community, you can make sure that it’s heard by submitting your story to our network reaching hundreds of news sites across 6 verticals.