Public Health Watch Wins Two National Edward R. Murrow Awards

August 14, 2026 - 12:42

Public Health Watch has been recognized with two national Edward R. Murrow Awards, honoring the nonprofit newsroom's deep-dive investigations into environmental harm and the gaps in American healthcare coverage. The awards, presented by the Radio Television Digital News Association, celebrate excellence in electronic journalism.

The first award, in the category of Excellence in Writing, went to the project "Uninsured in America." That series examined the human toll of living without health insurance, profiling families forced to skip medications, delay cancer screenings, or declare medical bankruptcy. The reporting went beyond statistics to show how the patchwork of coverage options still leaves millions of people one emergency away from financial ruin. Judges praised the clarity and narrative drive of the writing, which turned complex policy issues into personal stories without losing the larger systemic context.

The second Murrow, for Best Investigative Reporting, was given for "Fumed." That investigation looked at the health effects of toxic air emissions from industrial facilities, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color. Reporters spent months analyzing emissions data, cross-referencing it with health records, and interviewing residents who lived near refineries and chemical plants. The work revealed a pattern of underreported releases and weak enforcement, leading to calls for tighter state oversight. The judges highlighted the project's rigorous methodology and its tangible impact, as several local agencies opened new inquiries after the stories ran.

Both projects were produced with support from the Fund for Investigative Journalism and other partners. Public Health Watch, a small independent outlet, has built a reputation for tackling under-covered public health crises. The Murrow wins mark the first time the organization has received the national honor, though it previously won regional awards. Editors said the recognition validates the need for sustained, resource-heavy reporting on issues that often get overlooked in daily news cycles. The team is already at work on two new investigations slated for release later this year.