UFCJC staff and students win prestigious 2026 Public Media Journalists Association National Awards
University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications staff and students are the recipients of three national awards from the 2026 Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA) awards competition. This year’s competition drew 1,586 entries from 134 organizations across the country, with 75 judges evaluating work across 36 categories.
In the Government/Democracy Feature category, Innovation News Center Report for America Corps Members Rose Schnabel received first place for “Black farmers received a ‘historic’ payout form the USDA six months ago. It didn’t fix everything.” The story focuses on minority-owned farms in Alachua County, Florida who received part of a $2.2 billion payout from the U.S. Department of Agriculture in July 2025. Cattle rancher John “Ronnie” Nix reflects on what did and did not happen after the check arrived.
In the Student Newscast category, Victoria Perez, B.S. Journalism 2026, received first place for her WUFT-FM Newscast for Dec. 9. 2025. Perez is currently serving as a news intern at KUSA-TV 9News in Denver, Colorado.
In the Student Program category, a student team comprised of Sofia Dinka, Maria Avlonitis, AJ Sheridan, Emiliano Luna, Ciara Carle, Gabriel Velasquez Neira, Krista Jensen and Ailee Shanes, received the top honor for “Uncelebrated.” The program features stories told solely by the subject and offers a small glimpse into the lives of those who work so hard to make life easier for others. Innovation News Center News Manager Dave Barasoain served as the adviser for the project.
PMJA is a champion for journalistic excellence in the vibrant landscape of public media. Every year, PMJA celebrates the outstanding work of journalists who inform, engage and empower communities through their dedication and skill.
The PMJA Annual Awards Competition has recognized excellence in public media journalism for more than 30 years. Entries are judged on public service value, journalism quality, creativity and innovation, technical excellence and writing.
PMJA will host a virtual awards ceremony on July 21 to honor winners from both the 2026 Recognition Awards and the Annual Awards Competition.
Category: Alumni News, College News, Student News
Tagged: 2026 PMJA National Awards Competition Dave Barasoain Innovation News Center Public Media Journalists Association Rose Schnabel Student Awards WUFT-FM
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