Gross and Mosley Received Journalism Honors

Terry Gross won the Paul White Award while Tonya Mosley earned a spot on the 2026 EBONY Power 100 list.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Awards

Gross and Mosley Received Journalism Honors

Live Poll

Do you believe traditional media awards still hold significant influence today?

The Radio Television Digital News Association named Terry Gross the recipient of the 2026 Paul White Award, while EBONY selected Tonya Mosley for its 2026 Power 100 list. These honors highlight significant contributions to journalism and public life across the country.

Why it matters

The Paul White Award honors a lifetime of service to journalism, while the EBONY Power 100 list recognizes individuals who hold profound influence over culture and public life. These accolades spotlight the ongoing impact of radio hosts within the broader media landscape.

Terry Gross has served as the host of Fresh Air for five decades, a program produced by WHYY in Philadelphia. Tonya Mosley is the first public radio host to receive an appointment to the EBONY Power 100 list.

The players

Terry Gross

She is the longtime host of the radio program Fresh Air, which is distributed by NPR.

Tonya Mosley

She is a journalist and public radio host who earned a spot on the 2026 EBONY Power 100 list.

Radio Television Digital News Association

This professional organization serves journalists and news directors by providing training and industry advocacy.

EBONY

This long-running magazine brand focuses on news, culture, and entertainment relevant to the Black community.

WHYY

This public media organization based in Philadelphia serves as the production house for Fresh Air.

The details

The Radio Television Digital News Association selected Gross to receive the award for her lifetime of achievement in the field. Simultaneously, EBONY compiled its annual list to highlight leaders and changemakers who shape contemporary culture.

October 12, 2026: Terry Gross receives the award at the gala in New York City.

Culture Shift

These honors reflect a broader cultural shift recognizing the enduring power of long-form audio storytelling. This trend aligns with the increasing influence of public media voices who bridge generational and cultural divides.

These awards may influence listener interest in radio programs produced by entities like WHYY. Audience members may see increased coverage of these journalists in national media cycles.

The takeaway

These recognitions serve to elevate the status of public radio hosts within the national media environment. Followers of these journalists can expect a heightened profile for their work in the coming year.