Atlantic City, N.J. — A photo series from the Miami Herald on ICE detentions, a Bloomberg investigation into deadly flaws of Tesla doors and a Baltimore Banner examination of failures in school transportation have been honored with Best of Show medallions in the photo, print and online divisions of the 92nd National Headliner Awards.
A documentary by Scripps News revealing bold advances in battlefield medicine and a series by Phoenix public broadcaster KJZZ-FM on a controversial copper mine were awarded Best of Show television and radio medallions.
Anguished young girls cling to their father Luis, a migrant from Ecuador, as he is detained by ICE after his immigration court hearing at the Jacob Javits Federal Building in New York NY on August 26, 2025. (Carol Guzy/Miami Herald)
They were among nearly 90 first-place winners in the annual competition, which was founded by the Press Club of Atlantic City in 1934, and honors the best print, online, television, radio and photographic journalism in the news industry. More than 1,000 entries were received for this year’s National Headliner Awards competition that covered journalism published in 2025.
The Best in Show photo winner by Carol Guzy, a veteran photographer on assignment for the Miami Herald, was for a portfolio of images on immigration detention that Headliner judges praised for its emotional punch.
“Her photos showed ICE detention methods, but with each action she showed the loss and heartbreak instilled in the families of the detainees,” judges said.
Among digital categories, Baltimore Banner’s “Missing the Bus” series – which revealed troubling shortcomings in the city’s school transportation strategy – was honored for shoe-leather reporting, statistical analysis and thoughtful solutions.
“Banner reporters showed that students who didn’t have access to a car were more likely to be tardy. They were more likely to suffer academically. They were less safe,” judges said. “The only piece missing: Commitment from public officials to fix the problems identified.”
Bloomberg was honored for a yearlong investigation revealing that Tesla electronic doors could entomb passengers in a crash. Its results were profound.
“Federal investigations opened. Legislation was introduced. Industrywide design changes followed,” judges said. “That’s the full arc of accountability journalism, and this team ran it all the way out.”
“In the Shadows with Jason Bellini: Drone War Medics” — a documentary from Scripps News that explained how battlefield medicine has been revolutionized on the Ukrainian front — was cited for intrepid reporting from inside a combat medic unit.
“Exceptionally produced under active combat conditions, this piece sets the bar for documentary filmmaking in a war zone,” judges said. “It pairs powerful storytelling with a rare frontline perspective and striking cinematography to create a truly immersive and educational experience for audiences.”
KJZZ was honored for its series on a proposed copper mine in an Arizona tribal region, a project that could yield jobs and precious rare earths but brings an environmental and spiritual toll as well.
“A respect for the community and the topic was evident in the quality of the information gathered,” judges said. “A story that will make a difference to the community’s understanding of the issues and process surrounding what was an unclear history and uncertain future.”
ABC News was the top award winner with 12, while NBC News and CNBC had 11. Other news organizations with 11 awards include The Philadelphia Inquirer and Chicago Public Media, which is comprised of WBEZ Chicago and the Chicago Sun-Times. National Public Radio earned six awards this year.
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Here is a complete list of winners:
NEWSPAPERS & NEWS ORGANIZATIONS WRITING AND REPORTING
Newspapers Breaking News
First Place
Staff of San Antonio Express-News, Austin American-Statesman and Houston Chronicle
Judges’ comments: The combined efforts of the three newspapers showed strong varied coverage of a horrific event with a clear demonstration of a community network that allowed reporters to cover the whole story quickly. Early reports show important information for locals and later reports speak truth to power by fact checking official statements, and bring dignity to the victims with profiles. Overall and fantastic, well rounded and important entry.
Second Place
“Chicago-born Robert Prevost becomes Pope Leo XIV”
Chicago Tribune Staff
Third Place
“Trump says he’ll send troops to Portland”
The Oregonian/OregonLive staff
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Newspapers local news beat coverage or continuing story in top 20 media market
First Place
Dan Mihalopoulos, Lauren FitzPatrick, Chip Mitchell, Tom Schuba, Sophie Sherry and Frank Main
WBEZ Chicago and Chicago Sun-Times
Judges’ comments: In a crowded field filled with a number of strong examples of beat reporting, the Sun-Times and WBEZ coverage of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown stood out for its detailed, shoe-leather reporting that showed the real-life toll on families and individuals caught up in the chaos.
Second Place
“Turmoil, Discontent and Theft at the LIRR”
Alfonso A. Castillo
Newsday
Third Place
Douglas Hanks
Miami Herald
Newspapers local news beat coverage or continuing story not in top 20 media market
First Place
Noelle Crombie
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Judges’ comments: Crombie hits all the bases in her beat reporting: Writing, sourcing, shoe leather, determination and readability. Through widely different topics, her storytelling keeps the reader engaged and fascinated by the facts and characters in each compelling tale.
Second Place
Judy L. Thomas and Mike Hendricks
The Kansas City Star
Third Place
“Rural community coverage in NW Washington”
Sophia Gates
Cascadia Daily News
Newspapers international news beat coverage or continuing story
First Place
The Center for Collaborative Investigative Journalism
Judges’ comments: Clear, concise and deeply human, this package cut straight to the point while illuminating the sweeping international ramifications of the Trump administration’s foreign aid decisions — capturing how billions disappeared almost overnight and how African countries scrambled to respond. That this was achieved with a lean team of part-time journalists and freelancers, scraping inaccessible data and analyzing contracts and lobbying filings on a limited budget, is remarkable — made more so by the fact that sources were often too frightened to speak, fearing reprisals, legal consequences, or worse.
Second Place
“Disarming Environmental Disinformation”
The International Center For Journalists
Third Place
“Uncovered: Real Estate Secrecy and Sanctions in the South”
Tony Bartelme, John Dell’Osso, Thad Moore, Glenn Smith and Christian Boschult of The Post and Courier and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Newspapers news series in top 20 media market
First Place
“Atlanta Journal-Constitution Data Surge”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Staff
Judges’ comments: The AJC’s series paints a vivid picture of what could be around the corner for Atlantans and their landscape as more and more mega-sized data centers follow the “digital gold rush” to metro Atlanta. Along with the pros that this booming industry can deliver (jobs and tax revenue), the series also identifies cons — many voiced by neighbors of existing centers in Virginia, currently the top data center market in the U.S. The reporting and visual components offer a clear warning — for Atlanta and beyond — of the need for thoughtful planning for these centers as AI and cloud storage needs grow.
Second Place
“Failure to Treat, Failure to Protect”
Stephanie Zimmermann and Frank Main
Chicago Sun-Times
Third Place
Emily Hoerner, Christy Gutowski and Lisa Schencker
Chicago Tribune
Newspapers news series not in top 20 media market
First Place
“VICIOUS: An Investigation into How Ohio Laws Fail Thousands of Dog Attack Victims”
Staff of Columbus Dispatch, Akron Beacon Journal, Cincinnati Enquirer and Canton Repository
Judges’ notes: Lax laws on vicious dogs in Ohio got a rewrite after a coalition of newspapers examined mauling cases statewide, exposing how sometimes-deadly attacks held little accountability.
Second Place
Max Filby, Danae King and Samantha Hendrickson
The Columbus Dispatch
Third Place
“Actual Innocence: A Fight for Justice, 48 Years in the Making”
Jessie Christopher Smith
The Oklahoman
Newspapers local interest column on variety of subjects
First Place
Houston Chronicle
Judges’ comments: Falkenberg writes with grace and the authority that comes from solid reporting. The columns were clearly thought out on an original premise and ended with either a call to action or something the reader couldn’t shake.
Second Place
“The 2025 New Jersey Governor’s Race”
Tom Martello
NJ Advance Media
Third Place
Orlando Sentinel
Newspapers special or feature column on one subject
First Place
Dallas Morning News
Judges’ comments: Mark Lamster’s authoritative perspective, knife-edge and often hilarious writing, is everything a reader would want in a critic, in this case, architectural criticism. One example: “Of all the irresponsible, ill-conceived, short-sighted, counter-productive, cynical, philistine and downright dumb ideas I’ve heard in my time writing about Dallas, the prospect of razing City Hall stands alone. Demolishing architect I.M. Pei’s iconic building would be an act of epic mismanagement indefensible on aesthetic, environmental, financial or moral grounds.”
Second Place
San Francisco Chronicle
Third Place
Mohamad Bazzi
Guardian US
Newspapers editorial writing
First place
San Francisco Chronicle
Judges’ comments: Emily Hoeven looks at California’s approach to mental illness, shows how it not only does not help the patient, but also harms the public. She issues a call to action: Develop an evidence-based discharge plan for the patient.
Second place
San Antonio Express-News
Third place
Regina Lankenau
The Houston Chronicle
Newspapers sports opinion by an individual
First place
NJ Advance Media
Judges’ comments: Steve Politi tells stories of what’s wrong with high school sports, of a coach’s commitment to his players, and of a football star who was a legend in his hometown. It was all great stuff, we couldn’t put it down. Bravo.
Second place
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Third place
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
tom.silverstein@jrn.com
Newspapers sports news writing by an individual or team
First Place
Scott Lauber
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Judges’ comments: Scott Lauber writes in a clippy, insightful and engaging way about topics that Phillies fans are talking and thinking about: Batting orders. The weirdness of trade time. The rise of the torpedo bat. This is a reporter who knows his beat, his talents and best of all, his audience — the baseball-loving readers of the Inquirer. Keep it up.
Second Place
The Arizona Republic
Third Place
“NIL at the University of Illinois”
Stacy St. Clair and Jodi S. Cohen
Chicago Tribune/ProPublica
Newspapers sports feature by an individual or team
First Place
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Judges’ comments: A basketball coach who can’t speak due to ALS but still helps the Bucknell basketball team break down a zone defense. Remembering an Eagles fan and true friend lost in the New Orleans terrorist attacks. A pilgrimage to the small western Pennsylvania town where a Hall of Famer was just one of the guys. Alex Coffey’s stories connect with what’s most compelling about sports — the way that sports are played but more important how sports reveal character, for the players on the field and for all of us.
Second Place
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Third Place
The Kansas City Star
Newspapers feature writing by an individual in top 20 media market
First Place
Minnesota Star Tribune
Judges’ comments: The time Reid Forgrave invests in getting to know his subjects translates into compelling and compassionate stories about hope, grief, fear and perseverance. All well-written and rich in details.
Second Place
NJ Advance Media
Third Place
William Wan
The Washington Post
Newspapers feature writing by an individual not in top 20 media market
First Place
The Charlotte Observer
Judges’ comments: Theoden Janes makes you feel the raw emotions of people facing some of the worst life can give. And in kind, you may put yourself in their proverbial shoes as you read these stories. Beautifully told.
Second Place
The San Diego Union Tribune
Third Place
“Beyond the Oklahoma headlines”
Jenni Carlson
The Oklahoman
Newspapers business news coverage, commentary and/or columns.
First Place
Shirsho Dasgupta
Miami Herald
Judges’ notes: Shirsho Dasgupta looks at two contractors who are key to Florida’s efforts to detain illegal immigrants and house them in ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ and how the state attempted to conceal its dealings with them and other contractors. Excellent reporting.
Second Place
“CURE Awash in Complaints, Lawsuits”
Chad Livengood
The Detroit News
Third Place
Bloomberg staff
Newspapers education writing
First Place
“Unchecked: Hidden Risks of AI in Education”
Sharon Lurye of The Associated Press
and Claire Bryan of The Seattle Times
Judges’ comments: This series pinpointed unexpected hidden AI risks with a red flag warning for students and institutions. Well-written and spot on in today’s digital world.
Second Place
“Florida’s Supercharged School Voucher Program: An investigation”
Annie Martin and Leslie Postal
Orlando Sentinel
Third Place
“Chicago Graduation Rate Rises as Absenteeism Surges”
Sarah Karp, WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times, Mila Koumpilova and Kae Petrin, Chalkbeat
Newspapers health or science writing
First Place
Lauren Caruba and Marin Wolf
Dallas Morning News
Judges’ comments: This series about the impact of the state’s ban on abortions isn’t just about babies. It is also about women’s health care and family decisions about where to live, work and create families. The series provides a mirror into the soul of Texas and its political leanings.
Second Place
Bloomberg staff
Third Place
David Olson, Arielle Martinez and Josh Solomon
Newsday
Newspapers environmental writing In top 20 media market
First Place
Bloomberg Staff
Judges’ comments: Great reporting, infographics and other visuals in the telling of a story with serious implications for the local environment and land, as well as the larger economy.
Second Place
Alex Harris and Susan Merriam
Miami Herald
Third Place
Staff of WBEZ Chicago, Grist and Inside Climate News
Newspapers environment writing not in top 20 media market
First Place
Marilyn Thompson and Mitchell Black
The Post and Courier
Judges’ comments: Incredible in-depth reporting on the history and current controversy over monkey breeding for medical testing in South Carolina. Pieces were well-written, well- researched, and the team clearly spent a lot of time on or near the island verifying claims and doing the work.
Second Place
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Third Place
“Tracking the Local Impact of Trump’s Policies”
Sophie Hartley and Karl Schneider
The Indianapolis Star
Newspapers investigative reporting in top 20 media market
First Place
“Exposing Misconduct in L.A. County’s Historic $4 Billion Sex Abuse Settlement”
Rebecca Ellis
Los Angeles Times
Judges’ comments: This incredible investigation started out of beat reporting at the county courthouse and revealed layers of misconduct in a $4 billion sex-abuse settlement from Los Angeles County. We admire the hours spent outside a social services office, trying to find and secure reliable sources, the tenacity, the curiosity and the results of this reporting. It’s a crime that actual abuse victims’ cases will have to wait for a judge’s review but recognize the swift results.
Second Place
“Veterans Affairs’ $193 billion disability program rife with waste and abuse”
The Washington Post staff
Third Place
“The Opaque World of U.S. Real Estate”
Staff of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Post and Courier
Newspapers investigative reporting not in top 20 media market
First Place
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Staff
Judges’ comments: Black lung is making a powerful comeback in America’s coal fields as played-out mines are scrubbed with machines that scour the last ore, releasing underlying silicates scarring miners’ lungs. When federal inspectors were going to be eliminated in the region, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette dug into the issue, revealing through poignant profiles the degree of suffering and the startling increase in silica exposure. After the paper’s series ran, the decision to cut inspectors was reversed.
Second Place
Ashley Luthern, Ben Jordan and Mario Koran
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, TMJ4 and Wisconsin Watch
Third Place
Jamie Goldberg
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Newspapers public service in top 20 media market
First Place and BEST IN SHOW
Dana Hull, Emily Chang and Staff
Bloomberg
Judges’ comments: There’s a question at the heart of this project that is almost painfully simple: Why couldn’t they get out? The Bloomberg team spent a year chasing that after a Thanksgiving Eve crash killed three college students, not from the impact, but because no one could open the doors. What followed exposed electric door handles as a hidden gamble automakers and regulators never fully reckoned with. Original data sets, FOIA records, and graphics telling readers how to escape their own cars … amazingly, information most owners didn’t have. Federal investigations opened. Legislation was introduced. Industrywide design changes followed. That’s the full arc of accountability journalism, and this team ran it all the way out.
Second Place
Newsday Staff
Newsday
Third Place
Miami Herald staff
Newspaper public service not in top 20 media market
First Place
“Investigating Vacancies at Milwaukee Public Schools and the Ripple Effects Harming Students”
Rory Linnane
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Judges’ comments: Government offers no more important service than properly educating our children. In Milwaukee, tight budgets meant a drift toward rewarding administration of that by shrugging off the teacher drain and other fundamental metrics. An analysis from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel illuminated the issue, and brought about reforms. Milwaukee parents and generations hence are well-served by their hometown newspaper.
Second Place
Kyle Hopkins, Marc Lester, Lucas Waldron and Zisiga Mukulu
Anchorage Daily News / ProPublica
Third Place
Hearst CT Media staff
Editorial cartoons
First Place
Cagle Cartoons
Judges’ comments: Jeff’s cartoons capture what people are thinking, feeling, suspecting … and do so in a clean, clever way. Donald Trump skiing around the truth, leaving a woman’s outline in his wake … Lady Liberty sent back to Paris … and so on. Well done.
Second Place
The Buffalo News
Third Place
Cagle Cartoons
Newspapers best political coverage
First Place
“Tracking Political Influence in Austin”
Taylor Goldenstein, Megan Kimble, Bayliss Wagner and Matt Zdun
Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express-News
Judges’ comments: Houston Chronicle and San Antonio Express News provided detailed portraits of the different ways power gets wielded in the Texas legislature offering an up-close view of how the political sausage really gets made.
Second Place
“Inside Illinois Senate President Don Harmon’s Campaign Contributions”
Chicago Tribune staff
Third Place
“Revealing the Intersection of Michigan Business and Politics”
Craig Mauger and Beth LeBlanc
The Detroit News
MAGAZINES
Magazines coverage of a major news event or topic
First place
Emma Hinchliffe
Fortune Media
Judge’s comments: “Fear on the Farm” by Emma Hinchliffe intimately and sensitively details the work of Beth Ford, chair of the immigration committee of Business Roundtable, revealing how Trump’s deportation policy has deprived farmers of a cheap labor force causing a rise in U.S. farm bankruptcies. Ford pushes a practical solution, declaring, “Hope is not a strategy.” A fluid narrative draws in the reader and brings home the realities of a politically motivated crisis.
Second place
Paolo Confino and Leo Schwartz
Fortune Media
Third place
Monte Reel
Bloomberg
Magazine feature writing by an individual
First Place
“A Teen in Love With a Chatbot Killed Himself. Can the Chatbot Be Held Responsible?”
Jesse Barron
The New York Times Magazine
Judges’ comments: We’re told to “judge, not read,” but it was impossible to stop reading this story, written cleanly and compellingly about a tragedy that is unimaginable and increasingly possible in today’s technologically driven world. A mix of difficult truths and empathy. Well done.
Second Place
“Inside the Trump Administration’s Assault on Higher Education”
Emma Green
The New Yorker
Third Place
Devin Gordon
Fortune Media
Magazine specialty news coverage
First place
Alec Luhn
Scientific American
Judge’s comments: Alec Luhn’s examination of the pros and cons of refreezing seawater to replace a rapidly melting arctic icecap is a bold call to ignore naysayers and attempt a dramatic and achievable solution to global warming.
Second place
Amanda Gerut
Fortune Media
Third place
Cosmopolitan Staff
Cosmopolitan
Magazine in-depth story or series on a major news event
First place
“The Strange and Totally Real Plan to Blot Out the Sun and Reverse Global Warming”
Karl Mathiesen and Corbin Hiar
POLITICO
Judges’ comments: Authors Karl Mathiesen and Corbin Hiar capture the unsettling ambiguity of a geoengineering plan to release reflective particles into the atmosphere in an attempt to dim sunlight and “throw global warming into reverse.” Once begun, they observe, it could take a century to reverse the darkening of the planet.
Second place
American Association of Colleges and Universities staff
American Association of Colleges and Universities
Third place
“Visa Power: How China is Buying its Way into America’s Heart”
Didi Kirsten Tatlow
Newsweek
PHOTOGRAPHY FOR DAILY NEWSPAPER, MAGAZINES, NEWS SERVICE AND SYNDICATES
Spot news photography
First Place
Ashlee Rezin
Chicago Sun-Times
Judges’ comments: ICE agents, dressed in combat gear, pepper spray the face of a protesting church reverend. The scene is steeped in the tension of conflict.
Second Place
Andrew Mills
NJ Advance Media
Third Place
John Roca
Newsday
Feature photography
First Place
Tom Gralish
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Judges’ comments: How cute are little kids basking in the pure joy of devouring an ice cream cone?
Second Place
David Maialetti
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Third Place
Derrick Z. Jackson
Sports action or sports feature photography
First Place
Grace Smith
The Indianapolis Star
Judges’ comments: There is basketball action and there is this perfect moment of shear offensive will to score going against a bruising defense with the entire arena as a backdrop.
Second Place
Grace Smith
The Indianapolis Star
Third Place
Keith Birmingham
Southern California News Group
Individual photo portfolio
First Place
NJ Advance Media
Judges’ comments: Andrew Mills’ portfolio shows us New Jersey, from the coastline to its cities with powerful, sometimes hard-hitting images. A well-rounded portfolio of great single images.
Second Place
Chicago Sun-Times
Third Place
“Wildlife Wonder & Wondering & Worrying About It”
Derrick Z. Jackson
Staff photo portfolio
First Place
Judges’ comments: This San Francisco Chronicle portfolio brings us personal moments from topics as diverse as politics, natural disaster and sports.
Second Place
Third Place
Single day photo story
First Place and BEST IN SHOW
Carol Guzy
Miami Herald
Judges’ comments: Capturing the heartbreak of broken families resulting from the brutal methods of ICE detention made Ms. Guzy’s portfolio stand out from the many entries focusing on ICE action and anti-ICE protests. Her photos showed ICE detention methods, but with each action she showed the loss and heartbreak instilled in the families of the detainees.
Second Place
David Maialetti
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Third Place
“Chicago Under ICE – October 4, 2025”
Anthony Vazquez Candace Dane Chambers
Chicago Sun-Times
Multiple day photo story
First Place
Laurie Skrivan
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Judges’ comments: This was an outstanding category with all three winning portfolios containing compelling images of destruction of both property (from natural disasters and pilot error) and personal lives (from drug addiction). But the most compelling portfolio came from aftermath of a tornado that stuck St. Louis. We see families relegated to living on the street or in their cars for months, because help never arrived and rebuilding never began.
Second Place
The Philadelphia Inquirer staff
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Third Place
Gabrielle Lurie
San Francisco Chronicle
Portrait
First Place
Alejandra Villa Loarca
Newsday
Judges’ comments: This portrait brought smiles to our faces because it captures the pure joy of celebrating one’s culture.
Second Place
Alejandra Villa Loarca
Newsday
Third Place
Steve Pfost
Newsday
Pictorial
First Place
Grace Smith
The Indianapolis Star
Judges’ comments: Pictorial photographs succeed because of their artistry. The winner was a delicate depiction of sailboats and their reflection in the water.
Second Place
Monica Herndon
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Third Place
“Steaming Through the Morning”
Andy Morrison
The Detroit News
DIGITAL MULTIMEDIA OPEN TO ALL NEWS ORGANIZATIONS
Civic/political affairs podcast
First Place
‘The Rise and Fall of Agency Power: From Chevron Deference to Loper Bright”
Matthew Schwartz and Josh Block
Bloomberg Industry Group
Judges’ comments: Bloomberg Law’s Rise and Fall of Agency Power transformed a very mundane legal subject into a highly informative and amusing listen that made the case come alive. The series featured excellent sound design, well-written storytelling, strong narration, and smile-inducing cultural moments – like the brief use of music from Schoolhouse Rock. A great job from start to finish!
Second Place
“NPR’s Embedded: Alternate Realities”
Zach Mack and the Embedded Staff
NPR
Third Place
ABC News staff
Narrative podcast
First Place
Public Health Watch Staff
Judges’ comments: This podcast has strong storytelling and characters from the beginning. While it had a very strong sense of place in Texas, especially with a use of natural sound, the broad strokes of this important investigation could apply to any number of communities in America struggling with environmental challenges brought on by companies who are seemingly beholden to no one. It was also well written, well voiced and succinct.
Second Place
Joanne Higgins and LAist staff
LAist
Third Place
The Staff of Scratch and Win
GBH News
Narrative podcast focused on a single incident, person or time
First Place
John Archibald, Becca Andrews, John Hammontree and AL.com staff
AL.com
Judges’ notes: A first-hand account of how a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist tracked a story of murder and destruction. A look behind the curtain that’s behind the curtain. The basics of how an investigation is conducted. Well suited to the podcast medium with strong natural sound and scene building.
Ashley Remkus
Second Place
Dina Temple-Raston, Sean Powers, Karen Duffin, and Megan Detrie
Click Here podcast from Recorded Future News
Third Place
Chicago Public Media staff
Chicago Public Media
Information podcast
First Place
Jon Marcus and Kirk Carapezza
The Hechinger Report
Judges’ comments: Each episode was an easy listen replete with strong reporting and natural sound. They featured three discrete issues affecting colleges, including an intriguing look at the growing student body gender gap and what some colleges are doing to address that problem. A very effective mix that bounced seamlessly between insights from students, school administrators and the hosts. A relatable podcast that fit the category perfectly.
Second Place
“Click Here: North Korea’s Secret Army of Hackers”
Dina Temple-Raston, Sean Powers, Karen Duffin and Megan Detrie
Click Here podcast from Recorded Future News
Third Place
“Who Gets to be Native in America”
Anisa Khalifa and Jerad Walker
WUNC
Criminal justice and/or crime podcast
First Place
Gina Barton and Austin Fast
USA TODAY
Judges’ comments: Really strong investigative work that took years to compile. Exhaustive research and the effort to carefully and thoughtfully work with victims really made this podcast standout.
Second Place
“CNN Presents: Tortured Justice with Omar Jimenez”
Omar Jimenez and CNN Presents Staff
CNN
Third Place
“ABC Audio | Bad Rap: The Case Against Diddy”
ABC News Staff
Sports podcast
First Place
Nick Altschuller, Rich Levine and Craig Kilborn
ESPN 30 for 30 Podcasts
Judges’ comments: This series was well-produced, well-written and chock full of sound. A listening delight for a diehard basketball fan.
Second Place
“Inside the Arena: A Seattle Sports Podcast”
Chris Daniels, Niko Tamurian, Bill Fesh, Wayne White and Darrin Tegman
KOMO TV
Third Place
Jeff McLane
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Conversational podcast episode
First Place
“The Belichick Effect and the Money-sucking Machine of College Football”
Anisa Khalifa, Charlie Shelton-Ormond and Jerad Walker
WUNC
Judges’ comments: A superb use of facts. An honest and much-needed discussion that goes beyond sports.
Second Place
“50 Years Later, the Music of ‘Jaws’ Still Delights and Frightens”
Callie Crossley, Andrea Asuaje and David Goodman
GBH News
Third Place
Emily Gracey and Brian Pietrus
Sinclair
Investigative podcast
First Place
Olga Loginova
Type Investigations and Audiation
Judges’ comments: A very well-produced investigation into a side of climate change that is likely to become more common. It takes a nuanced and novel look into all aspects of moving a community from Isle de Jean Charles from the personal to tribal, state and federal politics. Great audio and scenes, strong narration and evidence of a huge reporting effort.
Second Place
NBC Dateline staff
NBC Dateline
Third Place
Wondery and Vespucci staff
News video up to 3 minutes
First Place
“Inside the White Supremacist Compound Hiding in Plain Sight”
Rob Picheta, Meridith Edwards and Victoria Fleischer
CNN
Judges’ comments: It was clear this video had a lot of deep reporting to back it up. It was strong and encompassed the important points of the reporting in a short amount of time.
Second Place
“The Racial History Behind MARTA’s Limited Reach in Atlanta”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Staff
Third Place
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution staff
News video 3 to 10 minutes
First Place
“Indigenous Youth Kayak Klamath River for First Time since Dam Removal”
Brontë Wittpenn
San Francisco Chronicle
Judges’ comments: The storytelling in this contextual, multifaceted video combined stunning visuals, historical perspective, and a broad range of voices to give viewers an exhilirating, emotional journey. It also gave them something that is often in too-short supply: joy.
Second Place
“Unpinned: The 30-year Rise of Girls Wrestling in Indiana
Grace Hollars
The Indianapolis Star
Third Place
Michael Anthony Adams, Linda Pattillo and Scripps News staff
Scripps News
News video 10 to 30 minutes
First Place
Brontë Wittpenn
San Francisco Chronicle
Judges’ comments: The wildfires in California are a natural disaster, but the challenges of rebuilding of communities are more often the result of mismanagement and indifference. In this film, the San Francisco Chronicle chronicled how widespread underinsurance has stymied the recovery of Grizzly Flats, destroyed in the 2021 Caldor Fire in Northern California. The film uncovers how the faulty algorithms and flawed processes used by California’s biggest insurance companies routinely underestimate what their clients will need to rebuild. Then the film visits Los Angeles to show how survivors of the 2025 wildfires are navigating these challenges in real time. Beautifully filmed with compelling and emotional interviews, the film combines the best of cinematic filmmaking and traditional journalism to identify a major culprit that robs communities of their most precious asset: their resilience.
Second Place
“How the U.S. Automotive Industry Fuels Lead Poisoning in Nigeria”
Taylor Turner, Will Fitzgibbon, Ashleigh Joplin and the staff of The Examination
The Examination
Third Place
“We Mapped Out Gaza’s Deadly Food Economy | View From Above”
Business Insider Staff
Business Insider
CROSS-PLATFORM OPEN TO ALL NEWS ORGANIZATIONS
Journalistic innovation
First Place
“Starved for Care: A Multimedia Investigation of Starvation and Dehydration Deaths in Local Jails”
Sarah Stillman, Eliza Fawcett, Matt Nadel
Investigative Reporting Lab at Yale
Judges’ comments: An investigative look at why so many inmates across the country are dying of starvation would be award-worthy on its own, but the multi-faceted presentation in this series shows how much greater such an investigation can be when it is presented across platforms aimed at reaching diverse audiences. The graphic pocket-size zines aimed at specific communities, their issues and their victims were distributed to libraries, non-profits and even homeless encampments gave allowed it to reach non-traditional audiences, many of whom most needed to know about the dangers.
Second Place
Staff
Minnesota Star Tribune
Third Place
“Map: Where ICE was seen in Chicago”
Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ Chicago Staff
Chicago Public Media
Digital presentation of a single news topic
First Place
“Scorching Cells: How Heat Threatens Lives in America’s Prisons”
Disha Raychaudhuri, Clare Farley, Travis Hartman and Adolfo Arranz. Reuters
Judges’ comments: How do you make readers feel the heat of a shared 70-square-foot prison cell with an average nighttime temperature of 80 degrees? Reuters combined strong boots-on-the-ground reporting, employed an engineering firm to do energy modeling and then designed a compelling visual design that brought readers inside the stifling cell. Reuters spoke to inmates and prison officials and also shared internal temperatures records, developed data visualizations and shared their underlying data on GitHub. “Scorching Cells” used the best tools of today’s digital journalism to bring attention to an important and overlooked issue.
Second Place
Staff
NBC News
Third Place
Staff
NBC News Digital
Digital presentation of a single features topic
First Place
“India’s Digital Dream, Hacked”
Natalie Obiko Pearson, Suparna Sharma, Anand RK
Bloomberg
Judges’ notes: Some stories find their form. This one did. A deep investigation into one of India’s most insidious scams, told across formats that felt not just creative but necessary — the graphic novel treatment among the more original approaches we encountered, and never gratuitous. The illustrations and photography moved together with intention, each element earning its place. This was design and execution that served the investigation, rather than just illustrating it.
Second Place
Noah Sheidlower
Business Insider
Third Place
Anthony Vazquez, Brett Chase and Andjela Padejski
Chicago Sun-Times
Social media
First Place
WBEZ Chicago and Chicago Sun-Times Staff
Chicago Public Media
Judges’ comments: What distinguished this entry was a clarity of purpose … journalism that knew exactly what it was trying to do and did it. The storytelling moved across levels with ease: news you could act on, explainers that illuminated, and an “ask me anything” that not only gave information and answered questions, but showed some transparency in how the work was done … all shaped to honor the rhythms of each platform
Second Place
The Oregonian/OregonLive Staff
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Third Place
“Auschwitz Liberation: 80 Years Later”
Staff
NBC News
Independent community/local news site
First Place
Staff
BridgeDetroit
Judges’ comments: A clear mission backed up with a depth and breadth of high-quality reporting that puts Detroiters at the forefront.
Second Place
“MLK50: Justice Through Journalism”
MLK50 Staff
MLK50.com
Third Place
Verite News
DIGITAL JOURNALISM
Online investigative reporting for digital website on a national issue
First Place
“‘I Love Hitler’: Leaked Messages Expose Young Republicans’ Racist Chat”
Jason Beeferman and Emily Ngo
POLITICO
Judges’ comments: Deep research and, in some ways, original research. The POLITICO articles by Jason Beeferman were outstanding, shocking and depressing all at the same time. Beeferman pored over 3,000 pages of chats by members of the New York Young Republican Club. Packed with racist, pro-Nazi and other stunning remarks by these “future leaders,” the POLITICO series was a red flag about the character of these people. So much so that it had a major impact: Some of the people lost their jobs over their remarks and the club itself was disbanded. Fine work of shining a light.
Second Place
“Strip Searches in Schools Traumatize Kids Over Minor Offenses”
Diana Dombrowski and Emily R. Siegel
Bloomberg Industry Group
Third Place
Mark Keierleber
The 74
Online investigative reporting for digital website on a local issue
First Place and BEST IN SHOW
“Missing the Bus: How Baltimore Failed a Generation of Students Struggling to Get to School”
Staff
The Baltimore Banner
Judges’ comments: The Banner’s “Missing the Bus” series embodies what the National Headliner Awards stand for: stellar shoe-leather reporting, facts presented clearly, voices that amplify problems, and thoughtful ideas for solving them. Through databases on bus locations and Census data; interviews with students, parents and educators; and analyses of roads and transportation routes in the city, Banner reporters showed that students who didn’t have access to a car were more likely to be tardy. They were more likely to suffer academically. They were less safe. The series pointed out a path forward with a yellow school bus system. The only piece missing: Commitment from public officials to fix the problems identified.
Second Place
Jennifer Berry Hawes, Cassandra Garibay and Mollie Simon
ProPublica
Third Place
Honolulu Civil Beat staff
Honolulu Civil Beat
Online investigative reporting for digital partnerships with other news outlets
First Place
Will Fitzgibbon, Peter S. Goodman and the staff of The Examination and The New York Times
The Examination and the New York Times
Judges’ comments: A deep, broad, international investigation into an international disgrace — car manufacturers profiting off of battery recycling in other countries that is poisoning those workers and communities with the lead exposed for reuse. The writing, depth of reporting and visuals combine in an package with a high outrage factor and ongoing ramifications.
Second Place
Mackenzie Mays, Jon Schuppe, Roberto Daza, Andrew Wallender and Diana Dombrowski
Bloomberg Industry Group and NBC News
Third Place
“The Gaza Family Torn Apart by IDF Snipers from Chicago and Munich”
Hoda Osman, Emma Graham-Harrison, Frederik Obermaier, Maria Retter, Daniel Laufer and Maria Christoph
The Guardian, The Guardian US, paper trail media, Der Spiegel, ZDF and ARIJ
Online beat reporting
First Place
Megan Tagami and Caitlin Thompson
Honolulu Civil Beat
Judges’ comments: Civilbeat’s stories on Hawaiʻi drownings was the winner for beat reporting but it could have also been a standout for investigative or public service. Drownings in this tourism state? Don’t think tourists. Many residents do not know how to swim. About half of all kids have not learned. It’s the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 15. This revelatory reporting — deeply researched with real people examples — sparked the state to step up its anti-drowning push.
Second Place
“The Aftermath of New York’s Prison Guard Strike”
Chris Gelardi
New York Focus
Third Place
Simi Horwitz
Online beat reporting health and science coverage
First Place
“Young Colon Cancer Reporting: Unpacking a Mysterious Trend”
Hilary Brueck
Business Insider
Judges’ comments: Solid reporting and storytelling on a topic of intense interest — why so many young, healthy and fit people are dying of cancer. Great information here for young adults and their families. The story exploring possible links between these cancers and events during childbirth and the first few months of life is particularly informative.
Second Place
“The Power and Politics of Food”
Sarah Todd
STAT
Third Place
“Saving Whitefish, and the Great Lakes”
Kelly House
Bridge Michigan
Online beat reporting government and political coverage
First Place
“How Project 2025 Has Unfolded Under Trump”
Eugene Kiely
FactCheck.org
Judges’ comments: A powerful deep dive that showed how Project 2025 was implemented across the federal government. Excellent explanatory lookback at promises made and kept — with an easy-to-navigate presentation.
Second Place
“Tax Breaks Propped Up Troubled Memphis Apartment Complexes and Tenants Paid the Price”
Michael Finch II
MLK50.com
Third Place
“Members of Congress Repeatedly Violate Federal Financial Law”
Dave Levinthal
NOTUS
Digital newsletter
First Place
Jennifer Gerson
The 19th
Judges’ comments: Menopause by The 19th is a crisply written, engaging newsletter that is well-researched, and full of great information that SO MANY women can relate to, learn from and depend on. The structure and voice are just what a newsletter should be. Weighted vests! Hot flashes! Really well done.
Second Place
Brittany Trang and Lison Joseph
STAT
Third Place
Malachi Barrett
BridgeDetroit
RADIO STATIONS
Radio local newscast, breaking news or continuing coverage
First Place and BEST IN SHOW
“Oak Flat: Past, Present, Future”
Gabriel Pietrorazio
KJZZ
Judges’ comment: The reporter hit the nail on the head with persistent reporting. A respect for the community and the topic was evident in the quality of the information gathered. And other news media soon followed this reporter’s lead for a story that’ll make a difference to the community’s understanding of the issues and process surrounding what was an unclear history and uncertain future.
Second Place
“Annunciation Catholic Church and School shooting”
Staff
MPR News
Third Place
“When Disaster Hits Home: Ongoing Coverage of the Eaton and Palisades Fires”
LAist Staff
LAist
Radio local feature and human interest story
First Place
“Tribute Album Looks to Help Save Home of Hit-making Songstress”
Leah Scarpelli
Texas Standard
Judges’ comments: This reporter weaves the story of efforts to save a house in much the same fashion the unheralded owner might have written the memorable lyrics now-famous musicians used to leave indelible legacies.
Second Place
“You Cannot Take History Away”: For D.C., Black Lives Matter Plaza Isn’t Truly Gone”
Sarah Y. Kim and Tyrone Turner
WAMU 88.5 FM
Third Place
“50 Years Later, The Legacy of the Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald Looms as Large as Ever”
Dan Kraker and David Schaper
MPR News
Radio local documentary or public affairs
First Place
Larry Mantle and AirTalk staff
LAist
Judges’ comments: A far-ranging, intelligent series of discussions on vital topics, as well as feature-oriented pieces that provide an insight into modern life. In one of the episodes provided, the show demonstrated the innate ability of radio to gather information and perspectives under pressing deadlines; the program’s coverage of the California wildfires brought news and developments citizens needed to know into a cohesive package.
Second Place
Staff
WBAL-AM
Third Place
The Metro Staff
WDET-FM
Radio local news series
First Place
Amy Qin, Esther Yoon-Ji Kang and Andjela Padejski
WBEZ Chicago
Judges’ comments: This series smartly uses data and real voices to expose Chicago’s deep housing affordability issues. The reporting is so strong a listener feels transported to the streets of the city. Bonus points for the clever reference to Ferris Bueller.
Second Place
“ICE Detainees in a Crowded, Unsanitary Office Building”
Miriam Wasser and Simón Ríos
WBUR
Third Place
Russ McNamara
WDET-FM
BROADCAST RADIO NETWORKS AND SYNDICATORS
Radio network newscast, breaking news or continuing coverage
First Place
“NPR’s Coverage of President Trump’s Two 2025 Visits to the United Kingdom”
NPR Staff
National Public Radio
Judges’ comments: Against the backdrop of President Trump cracking down on immigrants living and working in the U.S., NPR masterfully points out how he will be visiting his mother’s birthplace — the place from which she immigrated to the U.S. No irony, just the facts told with the highest degree of professionalism.
Second Place
“The U.S. Attacks Iran Nuclear Site”
Staff
Bloomberg Radio
Third Place
Carrie Johnson, Anna Yukhananov and Krishnadev Calamur
NPR
Radio network feature, human interest story or documentary
First Place
Emily Schwing, NPR and ProPublica
NPR
Judges’ comments: It takes the reporting of one intrepid journalist crisscrossing the 49th state to spur a state senate committee, students, educators, parents and many others to begin to address the dangerous condition of rural schools, and tackle potential remedies for funding formulas and ownership of the problems. High-quality reporting exists through exploration of research and raw observations in this series of reports.
Second Place
“This Company Charges Disabled Vets Millions, Even After VA Said It’s Likely Illegal”
Chris Arnold, Caley Fox Shannon and Quil Lawrence
NPR
Third Place
“Population Shift: How Smaller Families are Changing the World”
NPR Staff
NPR
BROADCAST TV STATIONS
TV local newscast
First Place
“NewsCenter 5 at 6 p.m.: Tragedy at Gabriel House”
WCVB Staff
WCVB
Judges’ comments: Outstanding coverage from a strong team of journalists covered every angle of a tragic fire at an assisted living center near Boston. WCVB’s team collected meaningful interviews with many surviving residents of the community, families of some of those who had died, and the fire department’s chaplain. Their reporting powerfully conveyed the impact of the event, connecting the viewer and allowing them to empathize with those affected. Back at the studio, outstanding production quality made this 6 p.m. newscast exceptional from start to finish.
Second Place
WESH 2 News
WESH
Third Place
ABC15 Staff
ABC15
TV local coverage of a live breaking news event
First Place
“Breaking News: Mass Shooting at Brown University”
WCVB Staff
WCVB
Judges’ comments: This coverage took us directly to the shooting at Brown University. The strong use of on-location sound, along with a concise structure, made the storytelling effective. The reporting built information layer by layer, and this created a real sense of tension. Each newscast segment was well-organized and easy to follow as developments were presented. Coverage stayed grounded in the facts, without speculation.
Second Place
“Manhunt for Brown University Shooter Ends”
WCVB Staff
WCVB
Third Place
Staff
WBAL-TV
TV local continuing coverage of a single news event
First Place
“Shielded from Accountability”
Charlie Specht and Sean Mickey
WGRZ-TV
Judges’ comments: On his way home late one night, a senior sheriff’s official managed to smash into seven parked cars in his Buffalo neighborhood with his official truck. It was his lucky night: His sister-in-law happened to be the one leading the traffic investigation. She saw no reason to give him a breathalyzer. But his luck ran out pretty soon, as WGRZ heard about the incident, and for nine months demanded answers from Buffalo and Erie County leadership on how such a thing could happen. WGRZ cut through the dense fog of official indifference and sustained the public outrage until local leaders recognized that the reputation of local law enforcement was so jeopardized by the blue shield that something had to be done. Persistent reporting won the day.
Second Place
13 Investigates Team
WTHR
Third Place
WLKY Staff
Hearst WLKY
TV local feature or human interest story
First Place
“It’s My Version of Retirement”
Jason Marks and Victor Nieto
KCRA
Judges’ comments: This is the story of the oldest rookie police officer in California history, John Meyers. The 77-year-old law professor defies age and expectation by successfully completing the police academy. Told with warmth and humor, the piece captures both the motivation and challenge behind his late-in-life pursuit of public service. Exceptionally executed by KC3 News, the story stands out for its thoughtful production, creative shooting style, and well-paced storytelling that elevates a local profile into something memorable and inspiring.
Second Place
Boyd Huppert, Chad Nelson and Rieta Buttaro
KARE TV
Third Place
“NH Chronicle: Virtual Dementia”
Karen Meyers, Chris Shepherd and Brennan Gassek
WMUR
TV local sports story
First Place
Angel Salcedo, Mark Tramontozzi and Allan DiMaio
WCVB
Judges’ comments: It’s a long way to the finish line of The Boston Marathon, particularly for wheelchair athletes. Boston’s WCVB takes us along on their fascinating journey, years in the making and hours in the execution. It’s a tale well-told and photographed in the most personal terms.
Second Place
“I Am Sir Samurai; Three Weeks Ago I Died”
Jason Marks and Victor Nieto
KCRA
Third Place
Chris Daniels, Darrin Tegman and Matt Landers
KOMO TV
TV local public service
First Place
Chris Vanderveen, Chris Hansen and Aaron Adelson
KUSA
Judges’ comments: Despite months of official stonewalling and dodging, a persistent KUSA unit was able to bring Colorado authorities to task for dire shortcomings in the state’s troubled parole system, where mistakes were putting citizens in jeopardy.
Second Place
Dave Biscobing and Nicole Santa Cruz
ProPublica and ABC15
Third Place
Jeremy Finley, Jason Finley and Erin Newnam
WSMV-TV
TV local documentary or series of stories on the same subject
First Place
Andy Pierrotti; Luke Carter, Lindsey Basye, Baily Williams and Tim Darnell
WANF-TV and Gray Media
Judges’ comments: Tragedy in Paradise investigates how vaccine misinformation and institutional failures fueled a deadly measles outbreak in Samoa, turning a preventable crisis into a national tragedy. Through intimate reporting with affected families, the series humanizes a complex global public-health issue without sacrificing journalistic rigor. The story powerfully connects a distant catastrophe to urgent risks at home, transforming foreign reporting into a timely and resonant warning.
Second Place
Bennett Haeberle, Lisa Capitanini and Nathan Halder
NBC Chicago, WMAQ-TV
Third Place
“First Descent: Kayaking the Klamath”
Jessie Sears, Brandon Swanson and Evan Rodriguez.
Oregon Public Broadcasting
TV local investigative reporting
First Place
“KARE 11 Investigates: Housing Hustle”
A.J. Lagoe, Kelly Dietz, Gary Knox and David Peterlinz
KARE 11
Judges’ comments: Millions of dollars flowed to housing scammers in Minnesota, the nation’s cash piñata for those who claim to advise and find homes for people in need, until KARE Minneapolis and its venerable investigative unit started knocking on doors to verify whether services were actually provided. One prominent scammer who had been ducking KARE was tracked down in a parking lot in a Mike Wallace-style interview that left little doubt something sketchy was afoot. Federal and state investigators followed in KARE’s substantial footsteps, and legal and legislative remedies quickly followed.
Second Place
Dave Biscobing and Gerard Watson
ABC15
Third Place
Lysée Mitri, Jack Noonan and Tamara Richter
KCRA
TV local business and consumer reporting
First Place
“Skyrocketing Energy Bills Fuel Public Outrage”
Ben Simmoneau
WCVB
Judges’ comments: While many other public utilities are raising supply rates, Ben reports on out-of-control delivery costs that stem from a well-intended state government program that didn’t seem to properly account for the fact that its funding source would be on the backs of current rate payers. Reporting looks at the intersection of climate change and affordability, with a spotlight on legislators to fix short term problems that resulted from too much emphasis on long term gains.
Second Place
A.J. Lagoe, Kelly Dietz, Gary Knox and Steve Eckert
KARE 11
Third Place
“Beauty Exposed: Sephora Kids, Cosmetics and California Law”
CBS News California Investigates staff
CBS News California Investigates
TV LOCAL HEALTH, SCIENCE OR ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING
First Place
Jacob Wycoff, Seth Szilagyi and Terry Eliasen
WBZ-TV
Judges’ comments: WBZ brings home a big issue with terrific photography as Jacob Wycoff roams the region showing how climate change is altering the landscape, while offering solution-based reporting.
Second Place
“Cleanup of Remote Montague Island Coast Marks Latest GoAK Mission”
Beth Verge
KTUU-TV
Third Place
“NH Chronicle: Medical Tattooing”
Karen Meyers and Chris Shepherd
WMUR
TV local severe weather or natural disasters reporting
First Place
WLKY staff
Hearst WLKY
Judges’ comments: WLKY took us up close to the victims of overnight storms that tore houses and business to splinters, providing an arresting report on the impact to Kentuckians trapped in fierce cyclones.
Second Place
KOCO-TV Staff
KOCO-TV
Third Place
“Carolina Impact / After Hurricane Helene”
Jeff Sonier, Russ Hunsinger and Max Arnall
WTVI PBS Charlotte
BROADCAST TELEVISION NETWORKS, CABLE NETWORKS AND SYNDICATORS
TV network newscast
First Place
“ABC World News Tonight with David Muir – January 8, 2025”
Staff of ABC World News Tonight with David Muir
ABC News
Judges’ comments: The team at ABC News transported viewers directly into the heart of the Pacific Palisades as multiple wildfires burned out of control across Los Angeles. Their bold, on-the-ground approach put viewers in the middle of the action, making it feel very immediate. The visuals are striking as viewers are walked through events in real time, with an unmatched sense of urgency. By connecting viewers with officials and showing video of people forced to flee the fire with a literal backdrop of flames, the compelling newscast created a truly immersive experience as if 3D glasses were being worn.
Second Place
“ABC World News Tonight with David Muir – January 10, 2025”
Staff of ABC World News Tonight with David Muir
ABC News
Third Place
“CBS Evening News, February 14, 2025”
Staff
CBS NEWS
TV network coverage of a live breaking news event
First Place
“ABC News: Los Angeles Burning”
Staff of ABC News
ABC News
Judges’ comments: An exceptional piece overall that brought viewers to the fires right on the ground. To gain access like this took a lot of execution and a lot of planning on the spot. The outcome was one that felt as urgent as the fires, with reporting that captured so many aspects that people often overlook. The personal stories were profound and the editing and storytelling was succinct and tight. The theme of people and community was also a strong thread that made the piece work.
Second Place
“Fire & Ash: Devastation in L.A.”
Staff
NBC Dateline
Third Place
Staff
ABC News
TV network continuing coverage of a single news event
First Place
CBS Evening News
CBS NEWS
Judges’ comments: It took two years to even gain access to the Sudan, plus long convoys into the interior to tell the shocking and heartbreaking story of how famine and war are starving the children of the region. It is a stark exposé of how humanitarian aid is weaponized by rival warlords.
Second Place
“Hallie Jackson’s Coverage of Epstein Survivors and the Giuffre Family’s Pursuit of Justice”
Hallie Jackson and NBC News staff
NBC News
Third Place
Staff of Nightline
ABC News
TV network feature or human interest story
First Place
“Nightline – My Father’s Voice: Remembering Captain Pitts”
Staff
ABC News
Judges’ comments: “Nightline” bridges history and journalism in this moving, relatable story, where a family is reunited with their late father, husband, and brother through newly discovered archival footage from the Vietnam War. The piece showcases the impact of preserving history, as journalists went beyond mere reporting to honor those who served. It is a powerful example of how purposeful storytelling can heal a family and create new memories.
Second Place
“CBS Sunday Morning: The Future is Here”
Jo Ling Kent, Reid Orvedahl, Jason Schmidt and Rand Morrison
CBS News
Third Place
“CBS Sunday Morning: Borderline”
Lee Cowan, Michelle Kessel and Chad Cardin
CBS News
TV network sports story
First Place
Jose Alvarez
ESPN
Judges’ comments: The SportsCenter team masterfully chronicled the journey of Rafael Campos, a PGA Tour golfer who was on the brink of leaving the sport after repeatedly missing tournament cuts. As financial pressures mounted and stress weighed heavily on him, Campos found himself at a pivotal moment in his career. The story was brought to life through extensive time and travel, capturing both the personal and professional challenges Campos faced. Viewers were taken inside the very personal life of this PGA pro and his family. The entire production and post-production teams deserve praise for their skillful use of graphics, archival footage, music, and natural sound, which elevated the emotional impact of this impressive piece.
Second Place
“Monday Night Countdown: Snoop’s Life Lessons”
Rory Karpf
ESPN
Third Place
“College GameDay: The Guardian”
Alexandra Nolen
ESPN
TV network documentary or series of stories on the same subject
First Place
“Richard Engel Reports: Twelve-Day War — From Inside Israel & Iran”
Richard Engel, Marc Smith, Gabe Joselow, Lawahez Jabari, Amin Khodadadi, David Lom, Mike Simon and NBC staff
NBC News
Judges’ comments: Richard Engel begins his series of reports by taking advantage of unprecedented access granted to him and his team to show the major cultural shifts occurring in Iran, from inside religious gatherings to government assemblies. He speaks with leaders and representatives about Iran-U.S. relations in what begins as a hopeful pursuit of peace and negotiation, which is shattered by bombings just steps away from his own hotel. In reporting reminiscent of embedded journalists during the Persian Gulf war, Engel traverses borders to get both sides of the situation, and the complex stories of those caught in the middle as conflict escalates dramatically.
Second Place
“ABC News Studios: Murder Has Two Faces”
Staff
ABC News
Third Place
Melissa Lee, Scott Zamost, Paige Tortorelli and David Lettieri
CNBC
TV network investigative report
First Place
Staff
NBC News and Bloomberg Law
Judges’ comments: The footage and births in this story were up close and personal in a way that exposes the flaws in the system. The firsthand accounts were very compelling making this a powerful piece of journalism that exposes the often-overlooked realities faced by pregnant women behind bars. The storytelling also brought a sense of dignity because as viewers, we heard from not only women, but we saw a school age child today that was born in prison. A nice touch. This was not a new topic, but a new approach that worked well.
Second Place
“60 Minutes: “The Mystery of the Eagle S”
Bill Whitaker, Oriana Zill de Granados and Emily Gordon
CBS News
Third Place
“CBS Sunday Morning/Marshall Project: True… or False?”
Erin Moriarty, Sari Aviv, Shoshana Walter and Ed Givnish
CBS News
TV network news magazine program
First Place
48 Hours
CBS News
Judges’ comments: A transplanted retired LAPD cop takes on the challenge of attempting to solve the 15-year-old case of a young girl’s mysterious death in Montana. 48 Hours pulls in archival footage from the original investigation, set against the otherwise picturesque and peaceful country landscape. A chilling new law enforcement video interview with the key suspect identified through modern DNA testing completes the profile picture of the would-be killer as developed through the program. In the end, the suspect faced his own justice, but the story doesn’t end there, as 48 Hours highlights how the sister of the victim is urging for systemic change in the face of years of lies and inaction from local law enforcement.
Second Place
“ABC News 20/20 – Lost in the Night: Who Murdered Jessica Currin?”
Staff
ABC News
Third Place
Staff
InvestigateTV+
TV network business and consumer reporting
First Place
Gabrielle Fonrouge, Paige Tortorelli, Scott Zamost, Sara Salinas, Jacob Pramuk and Candice Goldman
Judges’ comments: CNBC examines what happens when the big box store will do just about anything to attract online customers, apparently including bucking its own internal policies for vetting third-party sellers. A local pizza joint is one of dozens of legitimate businesses who seemed to be selling not pizza, but health care-related products on Walmart’s website. CNBC shows it’s a case of stolen identity and consumer fraud run rampant, that Walmart doesn’t seem to want to reign in until this report initially went public. It’s a case of risk versus reward for both sellers and consumers, and emphasis on “buyer beware” with the piece presenting key tools and techniques for customers to attempt to sleuth out legitimacy before completing their digital checkouts.
Second Place
Fault Lines Team
Al Jazeera English
Third Place
Spotlight on America staff
Spotlight on America
TV network health, science or environmental reporting
First Place and BEST IN SHOW
“In the Shadows with Jason Bellini: Drone War Medics”
Jason Bellini, Linda Pattillo, Nick Refuerzo, Dmytro Kovalchuk and Steve Turnham
Judges’ comments: “Drone War Medics” shows how drone warfare in Ukraine has fundamentally changed battlefield medicine. Reporting from inside an elite combat medic unit, Jason Bellini captures the human cost of saving lives under constant aerial threat. Exceptionally produced under active combat conditions, this piece sets the bar for documentary filmmaking in a war zone. It pairs powerful storytelling with a rare frontline perspective and striking cinematography to create a truly immersive and educational experience for audiences.
Second Place
“Fault Lines – The Last Lifeline”
Fault Lines Team
Al Jazeera English
Third Place
“ABC News Nightline – Pregnant and Brain Dead: The Case of Adriana Smith”
Staff
ABC News
TV network profile
First Place
“CBS Sunday Morning: Taking a Bow-Michael Tilson Thomas”
Lesley Stahl, Amol Mhatre and Steven Tyler
CBS News
Judges’ comments: Lesley Stahl wields a baton in the swan-song profile of composer, conductor and educator Michael Tilson Thomas, in this contagiously delightful send-off.
Second Place
“60 Minutes: The Indomitable Margaret Atwood”
Jon Wertheim, Nathalie Sommer and Kaylee Tully
CBS News
Third Place
“ABC News Studios – The Rob Reiner Story: A Hollywood Tragedy”
Staff
ABC News