Journalism Excellence Recognized: National Press Club Announces 2025 Award Winners

The National Press Club Awards 2025: Celebrating Journalism Excellence

On July 9, 2025, Mike Balsamo, President of the National Press Club, revealed the winners of the prestigious National Press Club Journalism Awards for the year. This event serves as a testament to the power of journalism and the impact of dedicated reporting in a time when independent media is more crucial than ever. The awards honor a spectrum of news organizations, recognizing those from local operations to major international players, all of whom contributed invaluable insights and narratives over the past year.

This year's honorees have brought attention to critical and often overlooked issues, highlighting how investigative journalism continues to embody its role as a catalyst for change. In a statement, President Balsamo reflected on the caliber of the winning entries, noting, "This year's winners reflect the very best of what journalism can and should be — fearless, thoughtful, and deeply impactful." He emphasized the importance of clarity in communication, holding authority accountable, and championing the voices of the unheard.

Among the standout performances, the Associated Press claimed two accolades. Their comprehensive reports on the assassination attempt against the leading Republican candidate, Donald Trump, on July 13, 2024, garnered the Breaking News Award in the print/online category. Furthermore, investigative journalists Margie Mason and Robin McDowell's piece, titled "Prison to Plate," won the Consumer Journalism Award for its deep dive into the troubling issue of forced prison labor within food supply chains across the United States.

The Wall Street Journal also made waves by receiving the Lee Walczak Award for Political Analysis, a nod to its timely discussions surrounding President Biden’s fitness and the implications of his performance leading up to critical debates.

Bloomberg News was recognized with two separate awards. Shirin Ghaffary earned the Newsletter Journalism Award for her QAI newsletter, where she provided profound insights into the evolving artificial intelligence sector. Additionally, a dedicated team from Bloomberg News was honored with the Joseph D. Ryle Award for their enlightening investigation into elder fraud, spotlighting how elderly individuals are victims of sophisticated scams in a market lacking adequate protective measures.

In the specialized category of examining the media, Floodlight took home the Arthur E. Rowse Award for its critical investigation focusing on how energy companies have been acquiring local news outlets and employing journalists. This practice, termed a "news mirage," raises significant concerns about authenticity in journalism and its ramifications on public trust. The judges praised Floodlight for highlighting this pressing issue effectively.

The celebration culminated in an awards dinner scheduled for August 27, 2025, starting with a 6 p.m. reception followed by a formal dinner and program at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. Tickets are available to the public, priced at $75, while members enjoy a reduced rate of $65 per ticket.

In summary, the 2025 National Press Club Journalism Awards showcased the best in modern journalism, illustrating the essential role of reporters and news media in navigating the complex landscape of information today. As these awards honor excellence, they also reaffirm the vital impact and necessity of diligent, investigative journalism in society. So mark your calendars for this acknowledgment of journalistic tenacity and the pursuit of truth, as we look forward to the continued engagement of the press in shaping an informed public.