Columbia Journalism School has announced that Raney Aronson-Rath, editor-in-chief and executive producer of FRONTLINE, will receive the 2024 John Chancellor Excellence in Journalism Award. Aronson-Rath has had a distinguished career in journalism that spans over 25 years, during which she has held various roles such as reporter, producer, and correspondent. Under her leadership, FRONTLINE, the acclaimed PBS documentary series produced at GBH in Boston, has seen significant achievements in investigative reporting and editorial vision.
Aronson-Rath expressed her gratitude for the recognition, thanking Columbia Journalism School, the John Chancellor Award committee, and her colleagues both past and present. As the head of FRONTLINE, she oversees the production of more than 20 in-depth documentaries each year that tackle critical global and national issues.
Jelani Cobb, dean of Columbia Journalism School, praised Aronson-Rath’s contributions, stating that while producers often work behind the scenes, her two decades of dedicated work have made FRONTLINE more relevant today. Aronson-Rath has also led initiatives to expand FRONTLINE’s storytelling, including theatrical documentaries, original podcasts, and innovative use of virtual and augmented reality.
Her leadership has increased accessibility to FRONTLINE’s content, enabling millions to view the series on platforms like YouTube. Esteemed colleagues have lauded her talent for creating compelling narratives from complex topics, emphasizing her dedication to ethical journalism.
In recognition of her impactful work, Aronson-Rath has received numerous awards this year, including the New York Women in Film & Television’s Enid Roth Award for Excellence in Journalism. The John Chancellor Award, which includes a $25,000 honorarium, honors the legacy of notable journalist John Chancellor and will be presented at a ceremony on November 14, 2024.