Montclair Student News Productions Win 2 National Murrow Awards

Two news productions by College of Communication and Media (CCOM) students have garnered 2025 National Edward R. Murrow Awards, presented by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). Both winning student teams were honored at the Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala, on October 13 at Gotham Hall in New York City.

Among the most prestigious in news, the Murrow Awards recognize local and national news stories that uphold the RTDNA Code of Ethics, demonstrate technical expertise and exemplify the importance and impact of journalism as a service to the community. In the Student category, the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Video Newscast went to the CCOM student production, Arizona Stories: Border, Water and Politics, and #FOCUS Democracy: Our Election won the Murrow Award for Excellence in Video Hard News.

Multi-Award-Winning Student News Productions

For Arizona Stories, the students interviewed asylum seekers and law enforcement at the U.S. southern border, as well as aid workers who provided food and water to migrants crossing the desert and gained access to migrant camps – witnessing firsthand the risks endured by those at the border. In addition to the Murrow Award, Arizona Stories was previously awarded two “Student Emmys” by the Television Academy Foundation.

One of the College of Communication and Media’s #FOCUS projects, #FOCUS Democracy: Our Election was an ambitious News Lab project covering Gen Z’s views on voting and pivotal student concerns. Students working on #FOCUS projects have also won Folio Awards.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for earning national Edward R. Murrow Awards, one of the most prestigious honors in journalism,” said Keith Strudler, dean of the College of Communication and Media. “Their storytelling reflects a deep commitment to covering issues that matter – from democracy and elections to immigration – and showcases the exceptional quality of work produced by our students and faculty.”

Montclair Nurtures Student Creativity

Award-winning accomplishments are nothing new for CCOM students, who learn and work in state-of-the-art facilities under the guidance and mentorship of professors who are industry veterans or current industry professionals. Journalism and Digital Media students have won awards for reporting on hurricane recovery in Puerto Rico, and WMSC-FM, the student-run radio station, is a regular contender for the best in the nation, among others.

Faculty-led trips to engage in field reporting – such as the one that resulted in Arizona Stories – give students the hands-on experience so vital to their creative development. And with New York City right on the doorstep, internship opportunities at places such as TV studios, Fortune 500 companies, advertising agencies, PR agencies and sports teams are open to students eager for more.

Ready to Start Your Montclair Journey?

Prospective Students and Parents: Plan your visit and take your first step in applying to become a Red Hawk. Learn more about the College of Communication and Media.

Journalists: Contact Media Relations for assets or to schedule an interview with faculty or students.