Columbia Journalism School has announced that Raney Aronson-Rath, editor-in-chief and executive producer of FRONTLINE, has been awarded the 2024 John Chancellor Excellence in Journalism Award. Aronson-Rath, who has over 25 years of experience in journalism, has been recognized for her impressive career that includes roles as a reporter, producer, and correspondent, and her leadership of the acclaimed PBS documentary series produced at GBH in Boston.
The award, given annually to a journalist showing courage and integrity in their professional accomplishments, highlights Aronson-Rath’s significant contributions to investigative reporting. She expressed her gratitude for the recognition, thanking Columbia Journalism School and the John Chancellor Award committee, along with fellow journalists and the dedicated staff at FRONTLINE.
In her role, Aronson-Rath oversees the production of more than 20 in-depth documentaries each year addressing critical issues both in the United States and globally. Columbia Journalism School’s dean, Jelani Cobb, praised her for her tireless work behind the scenes that has made FRONTLINE an essential source of information.
Aronson-Rath has played a pivotal role in expanding FRONTLINE’s programming, including the production of theatrical documentaries, initiating the series’ first original podcast, The FRONTLINE Dispatch, and advancing efforts for transparency in journalism. She has also leveraged new technologies to enhance storytelling, making FRONTLINE’s content more accessible, particularly through platforms like YouTube.
Her accolades reflect her commitment to high-quality journalism, and she has been recognized with several awards throughout her career, including the Enid Roth Award for Excellence in Journalism and the Edward R. Murrow Award.
The John Chancellor Award will be presented to Aronson-Rath at a ceremony hosted by Columbia Journalism School on November 14, 2024. The award comes with a $25,000 honorarium and honors the legacy of John Chancellor, a pioneering television correspondent best known for his impactful reporting on social and political issues.