Atlanta News First Won National Murrow Award
The local station earned the honor for overall excellence in the large market television category.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Awards
Atlanta News First has received the national Edward R. Murrow Award for overall excellence. The Radio Television Digital News Association presented the top honor in the large market television category at a ceremony held in New York City.
Why it matters
This award recognizes high standards in broadcast journalism and community-focused reporting. It serves as a national benchmark for excellence in the local media landscape.
The station earned the large market television award just four years after the brand launch. The Radio Television Digital News Association has presented these awards since 1971.
The players
Atlanta News First
This is a local television station based in Atlanta that serves as a news source for the surrounding community.
Radio Television Digital News Association
This professional organization represents journalists and news directors and has presented the Murrow Awards since 1971.
Gray Media
This company is a major television broadcaster and the parent organization of Atlanta News First.
The details
Leadership staff from Atlanta News First and Gray Media were in attendance at Gotham Hall to accept the accolade. This national win follows a successful performance by the station in the regional Murrow Award competition earlier this year.
Timeline
The Radio Television Digital News Association began presenting Murrow Awards in 1971.
Atlanta News First won a regional Murrow Award earlier in 2026.
The national Murrow Award was accepted on October 12, 2026.
Culture Shift
This win reflects the broader trend of local news organizations gaining national recognition for their commitment to high-quality broadcast standards. It highlights the growing importance of local stations in maintaining journalistic integrity within the national media ecosystem.
This award confirms that local viewers have access to nationally recognized broadcast quality for their daily news updates. It signifies a high standard of editorial service for residents relying on the station for information.
The takeaway
Receiving national recognition highlights the significant impact local newsrooms have on the broader media industry. Readers can view this achievement as a testament to the station's ongoing dedication to rigorous news standards.
Further reading
For more news about recognition in the media industry, visit the Atlanta Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Atlantanewsfirst.
