Columbia Journalism School has announced that Raney Aronson-Rath, editor-in-chief and executive producer of FRONTLINE, is the recipient of the 2024 John Chancellor Excellence in Journalism Award. With over 25 years in the field as a reporter, producer, and correspondent, Aronson-Rath’s leadership at FRONTLINE has garnered immense recognition. The John Chancellor Award is a prestigious honor given annually to a journalist distinguished for their courage and integrity in their professional achievements.
Aronson-Rath expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I am profoundly honored and humbled by this recognition and grateful to both Columbia Journalism School and the John Chancellor Award committee for acknowledging my journey as a journalist.” She shared this achievement with her team at FRONTLINE and her colleagues across various media platforms.
In her role at FRONTLINE, she oversees in-depth documentaries addressing pressing issues both in the United States and globally. Columbia Journalism School Dean Jelani Cobb praised her for her behind-the-scenes contributions, highlighting her role in transforming FRONTLINE into a relevant and vital news source.
Under her guidance, FRONTLINE has expanded its reach, producing theatrical documentaries and podcasts, and embracing innovative storytelling techniques like virtual and augmented reality. Aronson-Rath has prioritized transparency in journalism, creating initiatives to combat misinformation and improve public access to information.
Colleagues from various media outlets have lauded her professionalism and commitment to journalistic ethics. Susan Goldberg, CEO of GBH, acknowledged her editorial leadership as enriching for public media audiences, while PBS President Paula Kerger commended her ability to drive journalism forward in a digital age.
Aronson-Rath has received several accolades, including the New York Women in Film & Television’s Enid Roth Award for Excellence in Journalism and the Edward R. Murrow Award from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The John Chancellor Award, which comes with a $25,000 honorarium, will be presented at Columbia Journalism School on November 14, 2024.