What Is 1999 Edward R. Murrow Awards

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 1999 Edward R. Murrow Awards honored outstanding achievements in electronic journalism, presented by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). Awards recognized excellence in categories such as writing, reporting, and newscast production across local and national news organizations.

Key Facts

The 1999 Edward R. Murrow Awards were presented by RTDNA to honor excellence in electronic journalism.
Awards covered categories including writing, reporting, and newscast production.
Winners included major networks like CBS, ABC, and NPR, as well as regional stations.
The awards recognize both individual journalists and entire news organizations.
Edward R. Murrow Awards have been given annually since 1971.

Overview

The 1999 Edward R. Murrow Awards celebrated excellence in broadcast and digital journalism across the United States. Presented by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), the awards recognized outstanding work in reporting, writing, and news production during the preceding year.

These awards are named after legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow, known for his integrity and pioneering work in radio and television news. The 1999 edition continued the tradition of honoring both local and national news outlets that demonstrated high standards in storytelling, accuracy, and public service.

Established in 1971, the Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most prestigious honors in electronic journalism, recognizing work from local and national broadcasters.
RTDNA administers the awards annually, with winners selected based on criteria including journalistic integrity, innovation, and impact on public understanding.
In 1999, awards were given in categories such as newscast, investigative reporting, writing, and feature reporting across network, large-market, and small-market divisions.
CBS News won multiple awards in 1999, particularly for its international coverage and in-depth reporting during a year of global political transitions.
NPR received recognition for excellence in audio storytelling, with several regional affiliates also earning honors for community-focused journalism.

How It Works

The Edward R. Murrow Awards process involves nominations, judging, and recognition across multiple tiers of news organizations. Each entry is evaluated on journalistic quality, technical execution, and adherence to ethical standards.

Eligibility: Open to RTDNA members, including local TV and radio stations, network divisions, and digital news outlets producing content for broadcast or online platforms.
Nomination: News organizations submit entries between January and March, including detailed summaries and media samples of their work from the previous calendar year.
Judging: Panels of journalists and industry experts evaluate entries anonymously, scoring them on storytelling, clarity, and public service impact.
Categories: Awards are given in areas such as Breaking News, Feature Reporting, and News Series, with distinctions by market size and platform.
Regional Awards: Winners first receive regional recognition; top entries advance to national judging for the highest honors.
Public Announcement: National winners are revealed in the fall, with awards presented at a ceremony in the spring of the following year.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares key aspects of the 1999 Edward R. Murrow Awards with those from 1995 and 2005 to illustrate evolution in scope and participation:

Year	Number of Categories	Major Network Winners	Regional Stations Recognized	Digital News Inclusion
1995	18	CBS, ABC	32	No
1999	21	CBS, ABC, NPR	41	Limited
2005	24	CNN, NPR, PBS	58	Yes
2010	26	NPR, CNN, ABC	67	Yes
2015	28	NPR, PBS, BBC America	89	Yes

The data shows a clear trend toward greater inclusivity and adaptation to digital platforms. By 1999, the Murrow Awards had expanded categories and recognized more regional contributors, reflecting a growing emphasis on diverse voices and storytelling formats.

Why It Matters

The 1999 Edward R. Murrow Awards highlighted a pivotal moment in journalism as traditional broadcasters began adapting to emerging digital technologies. Recognition from RTDNA served as a benchmark for credibility and excellence in an evolving media landscape.

Prestige: Winning a Murrow Award enhances a journalist’s reputation and can influence career advancement and newsroom credibility.
Public Trust: Award-winning stations often see increased audience trust, reinforcing the role of journalism in democratic societies.
Standards Setting: The awards promote high editorial standards, encouraging newsrooms to prioritize accuracy and in-depth reporting.
Regional Recognition: Smaller-market stations benefit from national exposure, helping sustain local journalism efforts.
Historical Record: The 1999 winners provide insight into the media climate during a period of significant global events, including the Kosovo War and U.S. presidential elections.
Innovation Encouragement: By rewarding compelling storytelling, the awards push journalists to experiment with narrative and format.

The 1999 Edward R. Murrow Awards remain a testament to the enduring value of principled journalism. As media continues to evolve, these honors preserve the legacy of Edward R. Murrow’s commitment to truth and public service.