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The Edward R. Murrow Awards are recognizing outstanding broadcast and digital journalism this May. Throughout May 2026, the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) is announcing regional winners across all 14 U.S. regions. These awards represent the highest honor in journalism.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Award Origin: Named after legendary Edward R. Murrow, honoring broadcast journalism since 1971
- Timeline: Regional winners announced May 2026, national winners in August 2026
- Categories: 24+ categories including Overall Excellence, Investigative, Breaking News, Digital Innovation
- Coverage: 14 regional divisions across the United States with distinct judging panels
A Prestigious Legacy in Broadcast Excellence
The Edward R. Murrow Awards represent the gold standard in broadcast journalism. Since 1971, RTDNA has honored journalists and news organizations upholding the highest ethical standards. The award tradition carries forward Edward R. Murrow’s commitment to truth-telling and service to the community.
Winning an Edward R. Murrow Award signals a newsroom’s dedication to excellence in journalism. Regional winners advance automatically to national judging, where the most prestigious honors are decided in August 2026.
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How the Regional Selection Process Works
The 2026 awards cycle moved through three critical deadlines starting in December 2025. Early submissions closed on January 20, 2026, with the final deadline on February 19, 2026. Each entry must demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify journalism as public service.
Entries cover work published between January 1 and December 31, 2025. Judges evaluate submissions against the RTDNA Code of Ethics, assessing both quality and impact on their communities. Regional winners automatically qualify for national consideration.
Award Categories Celebrating Journalism Innovation
The 2026 Murrow Awards span multiple divisions reflecting modern media landscape. Categories honor radio, television, and digital journalism equally. Standout categories include Overall Excellence, Long-Form Journalism, and Investigative Reporting.
| Award Category | Focus Area |
| Overall Excellence | Comprehensive newsroom quality and coverage |
| Breaking News | Rapid response and accurate reporting |
| Investigative Reporting | In-depth, accountability-focused journalism |
| Excellence in Diversity | Addressing equity and racial justice |
| Technology Innovation | Digital storytelling and multimedia excellence |
Beyond traditional categories, RTDNA recognizes emerging areas like artificial intelligence and digital-first reporting. This ensures awards reflect how journalists today serve communities.
“RTDNA has been honoring outstanding achievements in broadcast and digital journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards since 1971.”
— RTDNA, Radio Television Digital News Association
Regional Announcements Roll Through May
The 14 RTDNA regions represent distinct geographic areas across America. Each region has its own judging panel and announcement schedule throughout May 2026. Winners from major markets like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago compete against their regional peers.
Regional victories represent significant career milestones for journalists. These awards validate quality work and often lead to recognition at the national level in August. Newsrooms use regional wins to strengthen community trust and attract top journalism talent.
What Comes Next for Regional Winners?
All regional Murrow Award winners automatically compete in national judging. The national awards ceremony takes place on October 12, 2026, at Gotham Hall in New York City. This date marks journalism’s most anticipated event where the best regional winners are honored nationally.
Beyond trophy and prestige, winning a Murrow Award elevates newsroom profiles and journalist careers. Winners showcase their work at industry conferences and in portfolios. The award validates commitment to journalistic excellence, ethics, and community impact that Edward R. Murrow championed throughout his legendary career.
Sources
- RTDNA – Edward R. Murrow Awards information and regional announcement schedule
- Radio Television Digital News Association – Award categories, divisions, and promotion guidelines
- Murrow Awards Database – Historical winners and award verification
