E.W. Scripps Company Celebrates the Power of Journalism with 72nd Scripps Howard Journalism Awards
On June 10, 2025, the E.W. Scripps Company proudly announced the winners of the 72nd Scripps Howard Journalism Awards, a prestigious recognition that underscores the vital role of journalism in addressing pressing societal issues. This year's awardees have made remarkable contributions to the field, tackling topics ranging from financial mismanagement in healthcare to the devastating impacts of wildfires.
1. A Celebration of Journalistic Excellence
The Scripps Howard Journalism Awards are acclaimed as one of the nation's most respected journalism competitions. They honor exemplary work across various media platforms—including television, radio, podcasts, online outlets, and print publications. This year, a distinguished panel comprising veteran journalists and media leaders sifted through nearly 600 entries spanning 12 categories to select the winners.
Meredith Delaney, president and CEO of the Scripps Howard Fund, remarked, "Collectively, these winners exemplify the power of journalism to inform, engage and inspire change. Their impactful storytelling highlights the need for accountability and the consequences of systemic failures on vulnerable communities."
2. Prize Money and Recognition
The Scripps Howard Fund will allocate a total of $140,000 in prize money to the winning news organizations and journalists. This includes the highly coveted Impact Award, which is presented to the entry deemed to have had the greatest impact.
Notable Winners
The winners of the 72nd Scripps Howard Journalism Awards include:
- Excellence in Audio Storytelling: KUOW Public Radio, The Seattle Times – "Lost Patients"
- Excellence in Business/Financial Reporting: The Boston Globe with contributions by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project – "Spotlight coverage of Steward Health Care"
- Excellence in Environmental Reporting: The Guardian U.S., Forensic Architecture – "Marathon: The Huge U.S. Toxic Fire Shrouded in Secrecy"
- Distinguished Service to the First Amendment: The News & Observer – "Power and Secrecy"
- Excellence in Local/Regional Investigative Reporting: San Francisco Chronicle in collaboration with University of California, Berkeley Investigative Reporting Program – "Right to Remain Secret"
- Excellence in Local Video Storytelling: FRONTLINE (PBS) – "Maui's Deadly Firestorm"
- Excellence in Narrative Human-Interest Storytelling: The New York Times – "America, Polarized"
- Excellence in National/International Investigative Reporting: STAT – "Health Care's Colossus"
- Excellence in National/International Video Storytelling: FRONTLINE (PBS) – "A Year of War: Israelis and Palestinians"
- Excellence in Opinion Writing: Detroit Free Press, Eye On Michigan – "Michigan's Watchdog is 'On Guard'"
- Excellence in Visual Human-Interest Storytelling: ProPublica – "The Year After a Denied Abortion"
- Impact Award: STAT – "Health Care's Colossus"
STAT's "Health Care's Colossus" stood out among the impressive entries as it examined significant issues surrounding UnitedHealth, a major player in the health insurance industry. The investigative reporting highlighted how UnitedHealth's practices have raised concerns among lawmakers and prompted discussions for reform.
3. Educational Initiatives
In addition to prize money and accolades, the Scripps Howard Journalism Award winners will also receive a travel stipend to visit universities this fall. This initiative aims to foster connections between award-winning journalists and aspiring journalism students, providing them with the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. Mike Canan, senior director of journalism strategies for the Scripps Howard Fund, noted, "This new program presents a unique opportunity for these students to learn directly from some of the best journalists in the country."
4. Recognizing Educational Leaders
The Scripps Howard Fund also honored two outstanding individuals for their contributions to journalism education:
- Teacher of the Year: Mark Horvit, professor at the University of Missouri School of Journalism
- Administrator of the Year: Marie Hardin, dean of Pennsylvania State University's Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications
5. Conclusion
The 72nd Scripps Howard Journalism Awards not only celebrate remarkable achievements in journalism but also highlight the essential role that storytelling plays in holding power to account and advocating for change in society. As the E.W. Scripps Company continues to support journalism through these awards, it reaffirms its commitment to fostering informed and engaged communities across the nation.
