PMJA Editor of the Year

Editors are the quiet heroes of public media, molding stories that inform, inspire, and ignite change.  Each year PMJA searches for the Editor of the Year, an individual whose meticulous pen sculpts narratives, whose visionary leadership pushes boundaries, and whose unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity shapes the future of our field.

Do you know someone who:

  • Transforms raw copy and sound into compelling narratives that captivate audiences.
  • Empowers reporters to tackle critical issues with depth and nuance.
  • Builds a newsroom culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.

If you do, nominate them for the Public Media Journalists Association's Editor of the Year Award!

This award recognizes the vital role editors play in shaping the future of public media. Past winners have led groundbreaking investigations, nurtured diverse voices, and inspired a new generation of journalists.

Your nomination could shine a light on an exceptional leader and help them continue their impactful work.


Nominations for 2024 are now closed!  Check back in early 2025 for the next nomination window.  

Your nomination:

Tell us why your editor deserves this recognition in 500 words or less, highlighting their achievements and contributions to public media. Include links to three edited stories showcasing their impact.

Eligibility:

  • Nominee must have worked as an editor in public media for at least 12 months by March 31, 2024.
  • Deadline to submit nominations is 11:59 PM EST, April 1, 2024.

Editor of the Year

  • Rachel Osier Lindley
    Rachel Osier Lindley
    Senior Editor, The Texas Newsroom KERA
    2024 Editor of the Year
  • Lisa Rodriguez
    Lisa Rodriguez
    News Director KCUR-FM (913)220-1296
    2023 Editor of the Year
  • Priska Neely
    Priska Neely
    Managing Editor - Gulf States Newsroom WBHM 205-734-1892
    2022 Editor of the Year
  • Brian Larson
    Brian Larson
    Freelance Editor
    2021 Editor of the Year, KUNC
  • Kate Concannon
    Kate Concannon
    Senior Supervising Editor, The Indicator from Planet Money, NPR National Public Radio
    2020 Editor of the Year
  • Karen Frillmann
    Editor-At-Large, WNYC Narrative Unit WNYC Radio
    2019 Editor of the Year
  • Carol Smith
    Editor KUOW
    2018 Editor of the Year
  • Phyllis Fletcher
    Phyllis Fletcher
    Senior Story Editor
    2017 Editor of the Year, Northwest News Network