Introducing the 250 Achievement Award
2026 marks 250 years of press freedom in America, commemorating the enduring role of a free and independent press in informing the public, holding power accountable, and strengthening the foundations of American democracy. Since the nation’s founding, journalists, publishers, and media leaders have helped shape the American story, ensuring that citizens have access to the information necessary for self-governance and civic engagement.
At this historic juncture, the News/Media Alliance is proud to establish the 250 Achievement Award, a new award recognizing a living American whose work has left a profound and enduring mark on the news and media industry.
This trophy is presented to a living American whose lifetime of achievement has strengthened the role of the news and media industry as a cornerstone of American democracy. It recognizes exceptional leadership, innovation, integrity, and service that have advanced the news and media industry and safeguarded the public’s access to trusted information. Recipients represent the very best of the American press tradition and have left an enduring legacy that will inspire future generations of journalists, publishers, and media leaders.
Eligibility
Nominees must:
- Be a living U.S. Citizen.
- Have a minimum of 20 years of service in the news, media, or publishing industry, or an adjacent field.
- Demonstrate significant and sustained contributions to journalism, news publishing, academics, media innovation, public service, or industry advancement.
- Have achieved distinction through leadership, professional excellence, or industry influence.
- Be recognized by peers for integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the values of journalism.
- Be available to receive the award in-person at NMA’s Annual Support Journalism Awards Dinner in Washington, DC on September 28, 2026.
Nomination Guidelines
Each nomination must include the following information:
1. Nominator Information
- Full name of the individual submitting the nomination
- Mailing address
- Telephone number
- Email address
2. Nominee Identification
- Full name of nominee
- Mailing address
- Telephone number
- Email address
3. Nomination Justification (maximum 2 pages)
Page layout, type, and font size are at the discretion of the writer. The justification should clearly address the following areas:
- Career accomplishments of the nominee
- Impact on the news and media industry
- Key leadership roles and major achievements
- Examples of innovation, advocacy, or public service
Code of Conduct and Revocation Policy
Nominees and recipients are expected to uphold standards of integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct. The News/Media Alliance reserves the right to withdraw a nomination, rescind an award, or remove a recipient from recognition if credible information demonstrates conduct that is materially inconsistent with these standards or that could reasonably damage the reputation of the award or the organization.
Deadline
Nominations must be submitted HERE by August 14, 2026. If you have any questions about the award nomination criteria, please reach out to membership@newsmediaalliance.org.
The award recipient will be announced on August 24, 2026, and honored at the News/Media Alliance Support Journalism Awards Fly-In on September 28th in Washington, DC.
