Austin American-Statesman Wins Edward R. Murrow Award for Breaking News Coverage of Shooting Rampage That Targeted BIPOC Individuals

The Radio Television Digital News Association on Thursday honored the diverse and inclusive Austin American-Statesman with a prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for its brave and urgent breaking news coverage of a horrific two-city shooting rampage in December that left six people dead, four of them Black and Latinx individuals in Austin.

"Our newsroom, comprised of diverse and underrepresented journalists of color, understood the inherent racism and terror that was unfolding as this situation developed over several hours on December 5th," said Statesman Executive Editor Courtney Sebesta. "We are humbled to be recognized for our efforts in serving ourcommunity during this tragic time."

The rampage, carried out by a white supremacist and former Army soldier, also injured two police officers and three other people in Austin, a vibrant and diverse city that cherishes its BIPOC community members.

The Statesman's groundbreaking coverage, provided by a diverse array of talented staff members including reporters, photojournalists, editors, and digital producers, began as they broke the news of the shootings and continued to provide critical updates overnight.

This honor is a testament to the Statesman's commitment to journalistic excellence and its dedication to covering stories that matter to its diverse audience. It is the newsroom's third national Edward R. Murrow Award in the past four years, a remarkable achievement.