2026 – TV / Radio | National Headliner Awards

TELEVISION

Broadcast or cable television 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 at 4 p.m.”
WESH 2 News
WESH
Third Place
“DCS: State of Failure”
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
“Mattress Warehouse Fire”
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
“What Happened to Hayden?”
13 Investigates Team
WTHR
Third Place
“Deadly UPS Plane Crash”
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
“The Heart of Hudson”
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
“Meet the Wheelers”
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
“Lenny”
Chris Daniels, Darrin Tegman and Matt Landers
KOMO TV

TV local public service

First Place
“At Risk”
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
“Seeking Death”
Dave Biscobing and Nicole Santa Cruz
ProPublica and ABC15
Third Place
“The Thin Blurred Line”
Jeremy Finley, Jason Finley and Erin Newnam
WSMV-TV

TV local documentary or series of stories on the same subject

First Place
“Tragedy in Paradise”
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
“Lessons in Betrayal”
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
“(in)defensible”
Dave Biscobing and Gerard Watson
ABC15
Third Place
“Dignity Delayed”
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
“Recovery Inc. NUWAY”
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
“WBZ’s Climate Watch”
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
“Deadly Kentucky Tornadoes”
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
“Wildfires in Oklahoma”
KOCO-TV Staff
KOCO-TV
Third Place
“Carolina Impact / After Hurricane Helene”
Jeff Sonier, Russ Hunsinger and Max Arnall
WTVI PBS Charlotte

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 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 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
“RiskyRX”
Melissa Lee, Scott Zamost, Paige Tortorelli and David Lettieri
CNBC

TV network investigative report

First Place
“Pregnant in Custody”
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 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

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
“AirTalk”
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
“State of Addiction 2025”
Staff
WBAL-AM
Third Place
“The Metro”
The Metro Staff
WDET-FM

Radio local news series

First Place
“Who Owns Chicago?”
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
“Trump Tariff Effects”
Russ McNamara
WDET-FM

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
“Justice in Turmoil”
Carrie Johnson, Anna Yukhananov and Krishnadev Calamur
NPR

Radio network feature, human interest story or documentary

First Place
“Alaska’s Crumbling Schools”
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

Honoring journalistic excellence for more than 90 years

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2026 – TV / Radio