CGTN Europe

Life of a River

CGTN wanted to mark its European launch with a project that would demonstrate its solution-driven and innovative approach to storytelling. CGTN Europe asked us to create an interactive microsite, examining the environmental impact of five key topics on the Danube. We brought the story of the river to life by applying a layered, multi-media approach, allowing the user to uncover and dive deeper into each of the key narratives.

Link to website

People's Lovie Award

Lovie Awards

Best in show

W3 Awards

Life of a River Landing page

From East to West

The landing page used a map-based approach, plotting each of the stories along the river's path as it travels East to West, giving context to the user and helping to illustrate the Danube's importance throughout Europe.

Map of The Danube and zoomed in Sturgeon article on map

Chapter Headers

Illustrating the issues

Our goal was to ensure that the experience of reading each story was distinct and linked to the subject matter, choosing mediums which best highlighted the issue at hand. We created bespoke illustrations for each, summarising the topic in one image, whilst utilising parallax to add a sense of depth when scrolling. This complemented and added to the more traditional methods of storytelling utilised by news organisation, i.e written and video content.

Illustration of microplastic's header

Article layout including zoomed in imagery of microplastics

Flying pelican across the river Danube

Quote on rewilding across the River Danube

The European showstopper

Danube: Life of a River was one of CGTN Europe's top stories from 2019, it successfully helped launch the brand and drive channel awareness across Europe. This project won both a Silver Lovie and the prestigious People's Lovie Award. The Lovie Awards celebrate the best of the European internet across websites, apps, mobile sites and podcasts, further enhancing the reputation of the newly launched CTGN Europe.

Life of a River

From East to West

Chapter Headers

Illustrating the issues

The European showstopper

What can we tempt you with?

Selected projects