Yeah, I read that, but I was not sure of the meaning. "Taking into account" could mean that the veering to benefit one side or benefit the other. I can see either making sense from the staff's point of view depending on its specific goal. It may even mean that ability to build an audience would be one factor of many which will influence the staff selected prize winner.
Regardless, it is all out of my hands, so it doesn't change my strategy.