Volunteer to judge the PMJA Annual Awards

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Dive deep into inspiring public media and uplift outstanding voices. Judging the PMJA Awards isn't just a task, it's a transformative experience. You'll connect with the community, learn from fellow judges, and sharpen your craft while helping choose the best projects.

We seek passionate judges with:

  • Public Media background: Your current or previous experience provides a strong understanding of public media's unique voice and mission. 
  • Experience across the field: Reporting, production, editing, more – your unique background is welcome!
  • Open mind and critical eye: Discover fresh voices, provide feedback, and champion excellence.

This year, you'll:

  • Review 15-30 submissions in 3 weeks. Explore diverse stories and identify gems deserving recognition.
  • Share your expertise: Offer valuable feedback to help entrants reach their full potential.

Ready to be part of something special? Fill out this form to volunteer as a PMJA judge and help shape the future of public media storytelling!

2024 PMJA Awards contest judges

Jonathan Ahl
Jonathan Ahl
Interim Managing Editor St. Louis Public Radio (573)341-4017
Krista Almanzan
Krista Almanzan
PMJA Editor Corps (831)915-8422
Ann Alquist
Ann Alquist
Director of Radio Prairie Public
Bob Beck
Howard Berkes
Howard Berkes
Journalist 801-598-9372
Stephan Bisaha
Economic Mobility Reporter WBHM (205)739-1142
Brian Bull
Brian Bull
Reporter (330)840-9224
Jim Burress
Jim Burress
Host/Senior Producer WABE (404)229-8880
Kylie Cameron
Kylie Cameron
Reporter KMUW/Wichita State Univ. (316)978-7573
Jackie Coffin
News Director Yellowstone Public Radio (406)531-9021
Doug Doyle
Doug Doyle
WBGO News and Sports Director, Morning news Anchor, Host of WBGO Journal, Host of SportsJam with Doug Doyle WBGO-FM (862)849-8168
Julie Drizin
Julie Drizin
Executive Director Current
Nadya Faulx
Specialty beats editor KERA
Teresa Frontado
Teresa Frontado
Executive Editor WAMU-FM (202)885-1296
Tony Ganzer
Tony Ganzer
Author, Kneading Journalism
Lester Graham
Lester Graham
Host/Reporter Michigan Radio
Rebecca Green
News Director Northeast Indiana Public Radio/WBOI (260)918-1088
Kurt Gwartney
Kurt Gwartney
Sr. Director of Communications, Phillips Theological Seminary Phillips Theological Seminary (918)270-6470
Celia Hack
Celia Hack
Reporter KMUW/Wichita State Univ. (913)553-9772
Reginald Hardwick
Reginald Hardwick
News and Public Affairs Director WILL Radio (217)244-2773
Mary Hartnett
Mary Hartnett
News Manager Siouxland Public Media (712)212-1907
Emily Hays
Emily Hays
Race, Education and Rural Issues Reporter WILL Radio (217)333-5073
Cara Hetland
Director of Journalism South Dakota Public Radio (605)204-0204
Rick Holter
Gabrielle Jones
Gabrielle Jones
Vice President of Content Louisville Public Media (502)814-6560
Kamila Kudelska
Kamila Kudelska
News Director Wyoming Public Radio
Chad Lampe
PRX
Jenny Lawton
Jenny Lawton
Editor and Showrunner (718)869-9997
Aileen LeBlanc
Aileen LeBlanc
Producer/Director/Editor LeBlanc Productions Ltd (502)316-3856
Michael Leland
Michael Leland
News Director Iowa Public Radio (515)725-1725
Mike Marcotte
Mike Marcotte
Editor, Consultant, Trainer, Coach MVM Consulting (619)201-2677
Greta Mart
Greta Mart
News Director Northern California Public Media (707)584-2061
Rachael McDonald
Rachael McDonald
Host / Reporter KLCC Public Radio
Tarryn Mento
Elizabeth Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Class of 2025 Education Reporter Oregon Public Broadcasting
Doug Nadvornick
Doug Nadvornick
News and Program Director, interim Morning Edition host - Spokane Public Radio Spokane Public Radio 5093285729
Shula Neuman
Shula Neuman
Editor
Melanie Peeples
George Prentice
George Prentice
Morning Edition Host Boise State Public Radio (208)315-0484
Johnathan Reaves
Johnathan Reaves
Student Advisor (870)972-2807
Emily Reddy
Emily Reddy
News Director WPSU-FM (814)380-4303
Ted Robbins
Ted Robbins
Managing Editor KCRW 5202718887
Ed Ronco
Ed Ronco
News Director Interlochen Public Radio (231)276-4415
Susan Sharon
Susan Sharon
Deputy News Director Maine Public Radio (207)330-4528
Mary Shedden
Mary Shedden
News Director WUSF Public Media (813)974-8636
Tom Shine
Tom Shine
News Director - KMUW KMUW/Wichita State Univ. (316)978-7324
Chad Snow
Chad Snow
news director KJZZ 91.5 FM (480)774-8219
David Sommerstein
David Sommerstein
News Director North Country Public Radio (315)229-5304
Naomi Starobin
Naomi Starobin
Interim Executive Editor WAMU-FM
Amy Tardif
Amy Tardif
Corps Excellence Regional Manager Report For America (239)851-9983
David Thompson
Prairie Public
Traci Tong
Traci Tong
Editor (508)878-5478
Ethan Toven-Lindsey
Ethan Toven-Lindsey
VP, News KQED-FM (415)553-2810
Caitlin Troutman
Iowa Public Radio
Ryan Vasquez
News Director WWNO/WRKF (352)294-1500
Ann VerWiebe
Ann VerWiebe
Email Marketing Manager The Cleveland Orchestra (330)732-7079
Tana Weingartner
Tana Weingartner
Senior Editor/Reporter WVXU
Julianne Welby
Julianne Welby
Multimedia Journalism Lecturer and Freelance Editor (917)647-3634
Rosemary Westwood
Rosemary Westwood
Editor and reproductive health reporter WWNO/WRKF (504)919-9465
Brent Wolfe
Brent Wolfe
News Director WUNC (919)445-9172
Annie Wu
Deputy Editor - Digital Content Ideastream Public Media (216)916-6380
Andrew Yeager
Managing Editor WBHM (205)934-2256
Johanna Zorn
Johanna Zorn
Independent radio and podcast editor and consultant (773)612-2570