THE 14TH ANNUAL SHORTY AWARDS

The Shorty Awards honor the best of social media and digital. View this season's finalists!

Special Project

Special Project
From the 17th Annual Shorty Awards

Route 66 – A Journey Through America’s Cultural and Political Landscape | DNR

Entered in Video Series

Objectives

Route 66 is an immersive digital documentary series produced by the Digital Newsroom/ Al Jazeera Channel, offering a firsthand exploration of American society through cultural identity, political divisions, and historical narratives. This on-the-ground investigative series travels through different U.S. states, engaging with communities and individuals whose voices are often unheard in mainstream media.

The series aims to:

Each episode dives deep into a pressing issue, offering raw, unscripted interactions that give viewers a closer look at modern America—especially in the context of the 2024 U.S. elections.

Strategy and Execution

To create a visually engaging, mobile-first documentary, Route 66 blends cinematic storytelling with spontaneous, on-the-ground interactions.

1. Immersive Storytelling Approach:

2. Distinct Visual Style & Production:

3. Audience Engagement & Social Media Strategy:

Hashtags like #Route66, #AlJazeeraUSA24 ensure broader reach and engagement.

Results

  1. Massive Viewership & Engagement:
    • The series has garnered hundreds of thousands of views across platforms.
    • Episodes have sparked debates on issues like gun rights, student activism, and political polarization.
  2. High Social Media Interaction:
    • Short clips and teaser videos have been widely shared, driving engagement and discussion.
    • Viewers actively participated in discussions on topics ranging from indigenous rights to student activism.
  3. Educational & Informative Value:

The series provides a comprehensive yet accessible look at America's complex cultural and political landscape, making it a valuable digital journalism resource.

Media

Entrant Company / Organization Name

Al Jazeera Digital

Links

Entry Credits