PBS News Named Recipient of a RTDNA First Amendment Award

Arlington, VA (January 22, 2026)--The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) Foundation today announced that PBS News, alongside NPR, will receive a First Amendment Award. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that work to defend freedom of the press and preserve the First Amendment.

The RTDNA Foundation said of the legacy public media brands: "The RTDNA Foundation selected NPR and PBS News for their perseverance after politicians demeaned them and Congress cut their federal funding. NPR and PBS News continue to provide free, independent journalism to millions of Americans — especially in regions underserved by commercial media — sustaining the tradition of public-interest reporting rooted in First Amendment values. Their enduring commitment to in-depth news, cultural programming, and civic-minded content reflects the vital role of public media."

The awards will be presented at the annual RTDNA Foundation's First Amendment Awards ceremony on Wednesday, March 12 at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C.

Media contact: Ella Richardson, erichardson (at) newshour (dot) org