WESH 2 News wins regional Edward R. Murrow Award for best newscast
Updated: 9:50 AM EDT Jun 3, 2026
WESH 2 News has been honored with a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). The award recognizes WESH 2 News at 4:00, for the newscast’s crucial real-time coverage of the tornado that touched down in Seminole County in March 2025. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado was a strong category EF-2.“This recognition is especially meaningful for our newsroom,” said WESH 2 and CW18 President and General Manager John Soapes. “Protecting our communities during life-threatening situations is the most important work we do. WESH 2 spent March 10, 2025, warning viewers of the threat ahead. When the tornado struck, our team rose to the moment with urgency, accuracy, and compassion. I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who worked together to deliver critical information when it was needed most.”The Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most prestigious honors in broadcast and digital journalism. Since 1971, the RTDNA has recognized work exemplifying journalism’s impact as a service to community. The awards are named for the legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow, whose commitment to excellence established a lasting standard for the profession.Central Florida competes in the RTDNA’s Region 13, which encompasses Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. The region includes Orlando, Atlanta, Tampa, and Miami among other major broadcast markets.“This award reflects the dedication of our entire team to serving Central Florida with trustworthy, impactful journalism,” said WESH 2 News Director Stephanie Linton. “I’m proud of the professionalism, teamwork, and commitment our meteorologists and journalists demonstrated throughout this coverage and every day in service to our viewers.”The recognition by the RTDNA comes weeks after WESH 2 was honored by the Florida Association of Broadcasters with its awards for Best Newscast and Station of the Year.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
WESH 2 News has been honored with a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Newscast by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). The award recognizes WESH 2 News at 4:00, for the newscast’s crucial real-time coverage of the tornado that touched down in Seminole County in March 2025. The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado was a strong category EF-2.
“This recognition is especially meaningful for our newsroom,” said WESH 2 and CW18 President and General Manager John Soapes. “Protecting our communities during life-threatening situations is the most important work we do. WESH 2 spent March 10, 2025, warning viewers of the threat ahead. When the tornado struck, our team rose to the moment with urgency, accuracy, and compassion. I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who worked together to deliver critical information when it was needed most.”
The Edward R. Murrow Awards are among the most prestigious honors in broadcast and digital journalism. Since 1971, the RTDNA has recognized work exemplifying journalism’s impact as a service to community. The awards are named for the legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow, whose commitment to excellence established a lasting standard for the profession.
Central Florida competes in the RTDNA’s Region 13, which encompasses Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. The region includes Orlando, Atlanta, Tampa, and Miami among other major broadcast markets.
“This award reflects the dedication of our entire team to serving Central Florida with trustworthy, impactful journalism,” said WESH 2 News Director Stephanie Linton. “I’m proud of the professionalism, teamwork, and commitment our meteorologists and journalists demonstrated throughout this coverage and every day in service to our viewers.”
The recognition by the RTDNA comes weeks after WESH 2 was honored by the Florida Association of Broadcasters with its awards for Best Newscast and Station of the Year.