Gray Television Inc. Celebrates Journalistic Excellence with Sigma Delta Chi Awards

InvestigateTV secured two national awards for its investigative reporting, while WVUE FOX 8 was recognized for two separate categories, marking the third consecutive year the station has received national accolades. Gray's Chief Operating Officer, Sandy Breland, expressed pride in the teams’ dedication and the significance of their work in serving communities.

“These national honors reflect Gray’s deep commitment to high-impact journalism that serves our communities and holds the powerful accountable,” Breland stated. “Whether providing critical, real-time information during a breaking news crisis or spending months uncovering systemic inequities, our teams at InvestigateTV and WVUE deliver reporting that truly matters. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and this well-deserved recognition.”

InvestigateTV's investigation titled "Dead Zone" was awarded in the category of Television/Audio Inequities in Society. This series tackled the critical issue of healthcare access disparities in rural America, particularly affecting marginalized communities. By partnering with KFF Health News, the investigative team analyzed Federal Communications Commission (FCC) broadband maps alongside health workforce and outcomes data, identifying 210 counties with inadequate high-speed internet access, which has been linked to severe health outcomes for poor, elderly, and Black populations.

The second award for InvestigateTV came in the Television/Audio Crime Reporting category for the compelling investigation “Confession Questions.” This report scrutinized controversial police interrogation techniques, particularly the use of deception during questioning. It featured insights from Amanda Knox, who provided a personal account of how intense interrogation pressures led to her wrongful confession in a high-profile case that ultimately resulted in her exoneration.

WVUE FOX 8 received first place in the Television Breaking News (All Markets) category for its comprehensive coverage of the Bourbon Street Terror Attack that occurred on January 1, 2025. The judges commended the station for its ability to balance speed with accuracy and compassion during a crisis, providing viewers with essential information at a critical time.

In the Television Investigative Reporting (Large Market) category, WVUE FOX 8 was recognized for its multi-year investigation “Outside the Office: The Indictment.” This extensive inquiry focused on former New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s misuse of public funds, ultimately leading to a federal grand jury indictment. The investigation exemplified the station's commitment to transparency and accountability in government.

The Sigma Delta Chi Awards honor outstanding journalism published or broadcast in 2025, recognizing work across various media platforms, including print, radio, television, and online. The awards aim to promote a well-informed citizenry and protect free speech, celebrating the reporters and teams whose efforts contribute to a better-informed public.

Gray Media, Inc. (NYSE: GTN), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets. As of July 15, 2026, Gray serves 117 full-power television markets, reaching approximately 37% of U.S. television households. The company boasts a portfolio that includes 78 markets with top-rated television stations and the largest Telemundo Affiliate group in 46 markets. Gray Digital Media also offers comprehensive digital marketing strategies and services, further enhancing its media footprint.

Gray Television’s recognition by the SPJ underscores its role as a leader in journalism, committed to uncovering truth and fostering accountability in the communities it serves.