Staff and student journalists from WUFT, the public media station operated by the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, are the recipients of four Region 13 2025 Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Edward R. Murrow Awards in the Radio Small Market Continuing Coverage, Digital, Excellence in Writing, and Hard News categories.
In the Continuing Coverage category, the award went to “A Year of Protests, Crackdowns and Religious Reckoning at the University of Florida” which included a compilation of news reports by WUFT “Morning Edition” News Anchor Áine Pennello.
In the Digital category, WUFT News Multiplatform Reporting was recognized for five stories: "Hurricane Milton Live Updates,” Report: Gainesville VA Medical Center Incorrectly Used Baker Act on Veteran,” “Florida Lacks Language Laws for Disaster Communications, Leaving Counties, Residents on Their Own,” “Dam Love Affair” and “Stigmas, Formula-feeding and Milk Fairies: Gainesville Moms Discuss Breastfeeding.
In the Excellence in Writing category, Report for America Reporter Rose Schnabel was recognized for a collection of her news stories and features. Schnabel covers the agriculture, water and climate change beat in North Central Florida for WUFT News.
In the Hard News category, Pennello also received an award for “Gainesville Reflects on Anniversary of October 7th Attacks,” which features her conversation with members of Gainesville’s Jewish and Israeli communities about the significance of the date.
Coaches and mentors for the winning entries included Ethan Magoc, Kristin Moorehead, Dave Barasoain, Cynthia Barnett and Ted Bridis.
The RTDNA Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most prestigious in broadcast and digital news. Region 13 is comprised of media outlets from Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Regional winners automatically move on to the national round of consideration.
National winners will be announced in August and celebrated at the Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala on Oct. 13 at Gotham Hall in New York City.