KNAU Arizona Public Radio Honored with Prestigious Award for Outstanding Writing
The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) has recognized KNAU Arizona Public Radio with a National Edward R. Murrow award for its exemplary writing. These awards are considered some of the most esteemed accolades in the broadcasting industry, reflecting the high standards set by Murrow in the realm of broadcast and digital journalism, as noted by the RTDNA.
KNAU earned this accolade for a feature story crafted by science and technology reporter Melissa Sevigny, focusing on the 80th anniversary of the beloved Smokey Bear. Known for his iconic slogan, “Only YOU can prevent wildfires,” Smokey Bear has been a significant figure in advertising history.
Traditionally, Smokey Bear has been synonymous with promoting fire safety in forests. However, with advancements in forestry science, some experts in the wildfire sector are reassessing this message. They argue that not all wildfires are detrimental and that certain ecosystems, particularly in western regions, rely on fire for ecological balance and rejuvenation.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the KNAU news team,” remarked KNAU General Manager Shelly Watkins. “Winning the National Murrow Award is more than just an honor—it’s a reflection of the heart, talent, and dedication they pour into telling the stories of northern Arizona. Even as federal funding for public media has disappeared, our mission remains steadfast: to connect and inform our communities with trusted journalism, exceptional storytelling and the highest quality programming, free for everyone. This award is a reminder that what we do matters, and that together, we can make this vital public service stronger than ever.”
This marks the fourth National Murrow victory for KNAU over the past 11 years. The station previously secured an award in 2017 for a narrative by former reporter Aaron Granillo about Nephi Craig, an Apache chef striving to preserve the culinary traditions of his ancestors in eastern Arizona.
Regular recipients of Regional Murrow Awards, KNAU secured two such awards in 2025. The recognized entries included the Smokey Bear feature and another by Sevigny exploring the scientific pursuit of a male birth control solution. Regional winners automatically qualify for the national contest.
This year, KNAU stood out as the sole Arizona radio station to clinch a National Murrow Award and was among a select group of NPR stations in the Western United States to earn this distinction. A gala celebrating the National Murrow Awards is scheduled for October in New York City.
Beyond the Murrow accolades, KNAU also garnered two awards from the Public Media Journalists Association this year, recognizing their excellence in election and education reporting.
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