CNN triumphed during the night at the prestigious 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards, securing an impressive total of five wins in various news categories. Among its notable achievements, “The Complete Story with Anderson Cooper” was honored as the Outstanding Recorded News Program. Close behind, both ABC, CBS, and National Geographic each garnered four wins, showcasing the competitive nature of this year’s awards.
The winners across the news categories were unveiled on a Wednesday evening at the iconic Palladium Times Square in New York City by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The event featured well-known figures, including Al Roker, the Today show’s weather and feature anchor, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The award presentation was made by former “Today” anchor Bryant Gumbel, adding a touch of nostalgia to the ceremony.
In addition to CNN’s achievements, ABC earned the award for Outstanding Live News Program for “World News Tonight with David Muir.” The evening was further enlivened by a lineup of presenters that included Jason Bellini from Scripps, Morgan Chesky of NBC News, Katie Kingsbury from The New York Times, Leila Molana-Allen of PBS NewsHour, Rhana Natour from Al Jazeera, Abby Phillip of CNN, Deborah Roberts from ABC News, Julio Vaqueiro of Telemundo, and Bill Whitaker from CBS News.
>The documentary awards at the 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards will be announced on Thursday. In total, Disney’s National Geographic led the nominations this year with a staggering 46 nominations. Following closely were PBS with 37 nominations, CNN with 33, ABC (including Hulu, bringing its total to 30), Netflix with 29, and CBS with 28 nominations. Among Spanish-language outlets, Univision led with 13 nominations, highlighting its impact in the media landscape.
“The talents of our journalistic and documentary communities have profoundly shaped our culture and nation</b,” stated Terry O’Reilly, chair of NATAS. “In the face of an evolving media landscape, their commitment to truth and storytelling has illuminated vital issues and empowered the public to engage with significant topics.”
Adam Sharp, president and CEO of NATAS, added: “We are proud to celebrate those who undertake the brave work of bringing truth to our nation’s screens. Their commitment sets a high bar for future generations of journalists and documentarians. We are especially pleased to acknowledge the contributions of Al Roker and our 2025 Gold & Silver Circle honorees.”
The Gold and Silver Circle recognizes professionals who have made significant contributions to television for 50 and 25 years, respectively. This year’s new inductees into the Gold Circle included Marc Burstein (senior executive producer & mentor, ABC) and Martha Teichner (correspondent & journalist, CBS Sunday Morning). The Silver Circle inductees included Akram Abi-Hanna (veteran cameraman & photojournalist, ABC News), Cater Lee (executive management, Spectrum News and E.W. Scripps), Bill Owens (executive producer, “60 Minutes”), and Deborah Roberts (journalist & co-anchor, “20/20”).
As part of a scheduling realignment by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards were moved to the summer instead of their traditional fall dates this year, indicating a shift in how these significant events are organized.
The 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards received more than 2200 submissions from the calendar year of 2024, and nominations were evaluated by a panel of over 980 individuals from across the television and streaming/digital media news and documentary community, emphasizing the rigorous standards maintained by the Academy.
Here are the winners across 41 news categories:
Outstanding Live News Program – Honoring Excellence in Broadcast Journalism
** WINNER: ABC World News Tonight with David Muir – A Leading Source of Reliable News
ABC
The CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell – A Trusted News Institution
CBS
CBS Mornings – Your Morning News Destination
CBS
Good Morning America – The Morning Show That Delivers the News
ABC
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt – Commitment to Quality Journalism
NBC News
Top Story with Tom Llamas – Breaking News and Insights
NBC News NOW
Outstanding Recorded News Program – Celebrating Storytelling Through Documentation
** WINNER: The Complete Story with Anderson Cooper – A Deep Dive into Current Affairs
CNN Worldwide
CBS Sunday Morning – A Weekend Tradition of Insightful Reporting
CBS
Dateline NBC – Investigative Journalism at Its Best
NBC News
In Real Life – Documenting Real Stories
Evident | Scripps News
Trafficked: Underworlds with Mariana van Zeller – An Exploration of Global Issues
National Geographic [Muck Media]
Outstanding Rising Journalist – Recognizing the Future of News Reporting
** WINNER: Natasha Zouves – A Voice for the New Generation of Journalists
NewsNation
Gerardo del Valle – Innovating Journalism in a Changing Media Landscape
ProPublica | The Texas Tribune | Univision
Skyler Henry – Reporting with Integrity and Insight
CBS
Jay O’Brien – A New Perspective on Today’s Issues
ABC News
Katie Polglase – A Rising Star in Broadcast Journalism
CNN Worldwide
Outstanding Breaking News Coverage – Highlighting Timely Reporting
** WINNER: Hurricane Helene Landfall: Monitoring Helene – A Critical Report on Weather Events
The Weather Channel
Hurricane Milton – In-Depth Coverage of Natural Disasters
CNN Worldwide
Hurricane Milton State of Emergency (ABC World News Tonight with David Muir) – Comprehensive Reporting on Emergencies
ABC
On the Brink – Documenting Critical Moments in News
PBS NewsHour
South Korea Declares Martial Law – Analyzing Global Political Events
CNN Worldwide
The Trump Assassination Attempt – Investigative Reporting on Political Violence
The New York Times
Outstanding Continuing News Coverage – Short Form – Reporting on Ongoing Stories
** WINNER: Myanmar’s Civil War – A Focused Report on Global Conflicts
BBC News
Clarissa Ward: The Fall of Damascus – Covering Critical Global Events
CNN Worldwide
Gang-Fueled Unrest in Haiti – Investigative Reporting on Social Issues
CNN Worldwide
Inside Syria: Assad Overthrown – Analyzing Political Turmoil
ABC News
Nick Paton Walsh Covers the War in Ukraine – Reporting on Current Conflicts
CNN Worldwide
Outstanding Continuing News Coverage – Long Form – In-Depth Investigative Reports
** WINNER: Border Protection (60 Minutes) – A Comprehensive Look at Immigration Issues
CBS News
Abortion in America: Fallout from the Dobbs Decision (Nightline) – Analyzing a Controversial Ruling
ABC
Donie O’Sullivan: MisinfoNation Trilogy – Reporting on Misinformation
CNN Worldwide
Sudan’s Civil War (PBS News Hour) – Covering Global Conflicts
PBS News Hour
A Week in Israel & The Pager Plot (60 Minutes) – Investigative Reporting on Middle East Affairs
CBS News
Outstanding Light Feature – Short Form – Reporting on Human Interest Stories
** WINNER: Face to Face (CBS Sunday Morning) – Inspiring Stories from Around the World
CBS
African Migration: The Deadly Atlantic Route (ABC News Nightline and ABC News Prime) – Covering Global Migration Issues
ABC
Empty Rooms (CBS Sunday Morning) – Touching Stories of Everyday Life
CBS
How Tyson Captured All The Pork You Eat (And Made Billions) – Investigating the Food Industry
More Perfect Union
Return to Normandy (ABC World News Tonight with David Muir) – Remembering History
ABC
Outstanding Light Feature – Long Form – In-Depth Human Interest Reporting
** WINNER: The Man Who Feeds Gaza’s Kids – A Humanitarian Story of Resilience
Business Insider
Bhutan (60 Minutes) – Exploring Cultural Richness
CBS News
The Cap Arcona (60 Minutes) – Unearthing Historical Truths
CBS News
Final Lands: Central Africa (ABC News Live and World Conservation) – Highlighting Environmental Issues
ABC
The Moses Films (In the Shadows with Jason Bellini) – Capturing Cultural Narratives
Scripps News
The Playing Field (The Complete Story with Anderson Cooper) – Analyzing Sports and Society
CNN Worldwide
Outstanding Hard News Feature – Short Form – Delivering Timely Reporting
** WINNER: She Survived an Airstrike that Killed Her Whole Family in Gaza – A Heart-Wrenching Report
The New York Times
Haiti: Inside the City Ruled by Over 100 Gangs (World News America) – Investigating Urban Violence
BBC News [BBC World Service, BBC World News America]
How Indiscriminate Israeli Fire Killed Half a Family in Gaza – Analyzing Civilian Casualties
CNN Worldwide
A Mother’s Tragic Story from War-Torn Gaza – Personal Accounts of Conflict
CNN Worldwide
Nowhere to Call Home: The Working Homeless (Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien) – Investigating Homelessness
Hearst Television
Sde Teiman: Israeli Whistleblowers Detail Abuse – Exposing Human Rights Violations
CNN Worldwide
The Walking Route – A Journey Through Conflict Zones
CNN Worldwide
Outstanding Hard News Feature – Long Form – In-Depth Investigative Reporting
** WINNER: Children of the Darien Gap (Fault Lines) – Highlighting Humanitarian Crises
Al Jazeera International USA
All That Remains (Fault Lines) – Investigating Environmental Impact
Al Jazeera International USA
Caught in a Coup (Trafficked: Underworlds with Mariana van Zeller) – Exposing Political Turmoil
National Geographic [Muck Media]
A Hidden Struggle (In Real Life) – Documenting Untold Stories
Evident | Scripps News
On the Front Lines of Sudan’s Forgotten War – Reporting on Global Conflicts
The Wall Street Journal
Outstanding Investigative News Coverage – Short Form – Exposing Corruption and Malfeasance
** WINNER: Europe’s Migration Crisis – Investigating Human Rights Issues
BBC News
Dealing the Dead (NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt) – Investigative Reporting on Mortality
NBC News
Grandmother Shot and Killed Fleeing Gaza – Personal Accounts of Violence
CNN Worldwide
Hospitals in Peril, The Looting of Steward Health Care – Investigating Healthcare Crisis
CBS News
Maine Shooting: Missed Warnings (Scripps News Investigates) – Examining Public Safety
Scripps News
Outstanding Investigative News Coverage – Long Form – In-Depth Analysis of Critical Issues
** WINNER: Targeting Individuals (60 Minutes) – Investigative Reporting on Privacy Concerns
CBS
Child Heaven: The Buried Tales of Camp Lejeune – Investigating Environmental Hazards
NBC News NOW
Documenting Police Use of Force (Frontline) – Examining Law Enforcement Practices
PBS [The Associated Press, The Howard Centers for Investigative Journalism]
The Drug Mule Scam (Trafficked: Underworlds with Mariana van Zeller) – Investigating Drug Trafficking
National Geographic [Muck Media]
How ‘Trophy’ Videos Link Paramilitary Commanders to War Crimes in Sudan – Investigating War Crimes
The New York Times
Missed Warnings (Scripps News Investigates) – Analyzing Public Safety Failures
Scripps News
Outstanding Live News Special – Capturing Major Events in Real Time
** WINNER: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Through the Eyes of NASA – A Unique Look at Astronomical Events
NASA+
CNN Presidential Town Hall with Vice President Kamala Harris – Engaging Political Discussions
CNN Worldwide
Decision 2024: Election Night – Covering a Pivotal Moment in American Politics
NBC News
Special Report: Assassination Attempt – Investigating Political Violence
NBC News
Complete Eclipse of the Heartland – Celebrating Celestial Events
CBS
Your Voice Your Vote: The 2024 Election – Engaging Voter Participation
ABC News
Outstanding Recorded News Special – In-Depth Coverage of Significant Events
** WINNER: Jimmy Carter: A Full Life (20/20) – A Tribute to a Historical Figure
ABC
Exodus: Global Migration (ABC News Live) – A Comprehensive Look at Migration Issues
ABC
Rising Broke: Forever Chemicals in America’s Heartland (NewsNation Prime) – Investigating Environmental Concerns
NewsNation
Hostages: The Road Home (The Complete Story with Anderson Cooper) – Documenting Personal Narratives
CNN Worldwide
Surviving Nova (Vice Special Report) – Covering Global Issues and Personal Stories
VICE News
Outstanding News Discussion & Analysis – Engaging Conversations on Current Events
** WINNER (TIE): America First: A Fareed Zakaria Special – In-Depth Political Analysis
CNN Worldwide
** WINNER (TIE): Elliott County Voted for Democrats for 144 Years. Then Came Trump… – Analyzing Political Shifts
More Perfect Union
American Autocracy: It Could Happen Here (Deadline | White House) – Examining Political Trends
MSNBC
Unbiased America (In Real Life) – Reporting on Political Actions
Evident | Scripps News
Israel-Hamas War (Face the Nation) – Covering International Conflicts
CBS
Outstanding News Discussion & Analysis – Editorial and Opinion – Addressing Critical Perspectives
** WINNER: Two Weeks Inside Gaza’s Ruined Hospitals (The New York Times Opinion) – In-Depth Reporting on Humanitarian Crises
The New York Times
Stalemate: An Election Story – Analyzing Political Dynamics
PBS [Room 608, Inc., GBH Educational Foundation]
Grab Your Calculators. We’re Going to Jail. (The New York Times Opinion) – Analyzing Economic Issues
The New York Times
How Tennessee Keeps Nearly Half a Million People from Voting (The New York Times Opinion) – Examining Voter Suppression
The New York Times
I Put Him on Death Row. He Shouldn’t Die. (The New York Times Opinion) – Addressing Criminal Justice Issues
The New York Times
Outstanding Live Interview – Short Form – Engaging Conversations with Influential Figures
** WINNER: Interview with Jake Larson (Amanpour) – Insights from Key Figures
CNN Worldwide
Breaking News: The Assassination Attempt of Donald Trump – Covering Political Violence
BBC News
Interview with Oklahoma School Superintendent Ryan Walters (Newsroom with Pamela Brown) – Engaging Educational Discussions
CNN Worldwide
Interview with the Parents of Breonna Moffett (NewsNight with Abby Phillip) – Personal Accounts of Tragedy
CNN Worldwide
Interview with Vice President Kamala Harris (Anderson Cooper 360) – Engaging Political Dialogue
CNN Worldwide
Outstanding Live Interview – Long Form – In-Depth Conversations with Influencers
** WINNER: President Biden Exclusive (NBC News Specials & Nightly News) – Engaging with Political Leaders
NBC News
Interview with JD Vance (State of the Union with Jake Tapper and Dana Bash) – Political Insights from Key Figures
CNN Worldwide
Interview with the Parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin (Anderson Cooper 360) – Personal Stories from Families
CNN Worldwide
Interview with Trump Advisor Stephen Miller (The Beat with Ari Melber) – Political Commentary
MSNBC
One on One with President Biden (Good Morning America) – Exclusive Insights from Political Leaders
ABC News
Outstanding Edited Interview – Highlighting Key Conversations
** WINNER: Pope Francis (60 Minutes) – Engaging Conversations with Influential Figures
CBS News
Celine’s Story: An NBC News Special with Hoda Kotb (NBC News Special Report) – Personal Stories from Celebrities
NBC News
The Democratic Ticket (60 Minutes) – Covering Political Campaigns
CBS News
Ketanji Brown Jackson (CBS Sunday Morning) – Highlighting Judicial Appointments
CBS
Prisoner in Russia: The Brittney Griner Interview (20/20) – Personal Accounts of International Affairs
ABC
Outstanding Science and Technology Coverage – Investigating Innovations and Discoveries
** WINNER: Quantum Arms Race (The Future with Hannah Fry) – Exploring Technological Advancements
Bloomberg
Darwin’s Struggle (In Real Life) – Investigating Evolutionary Biology
Scripps News
Farming the Water (Hope in the Water) – Investigating Environmental Sustainability
PBS [Intuitive Content]
Rising Broke: Forever Chemicals in America’s Heartland (NewsNation Prime) – Inspecting Health Risks
NewsNation [NewsNation Films]
The Promise (60 Minutes) – Investigating Promises of Innovation
CBS News
Sextortion (Trafficked: Underworlds with Mariana van Zeller) – Investigating Digital Crimes
National Geographic [Muck Media]
Outstanding Climate, Environment and Weather Coverage – Investigating Global Issues
** WINNER: Maui’s Deadly Firestorm (Frontline) – Investigating Natural Disasters
PBS
Apes (Trafficked: Underworlds with Mariana van Zeller) – Analyzing Environmental Impact
National Geographic [Muck Media]
Final Lands: Indonesia and Ecuador (ABC News Live in Partnership with World Conservation) – Highlighting Environmental Issues
ABC
Aid, NC (60 Minutes) – Covering Humanitarian Efforts
CBS News
Toxic Trifecta (PBS News Hour) – Investigating Environmental Hazards
PBS
Warning to the World: Australia’s Climate Catastrophe (The Complete Story with Anderson Cooper) – Investigating Global Climate Issues
CNN Worldwide
Outstanding Health or Medical Coverage – Reporting on Critical Health Issues
** WINNER: Body Parts (Trafficked: Underworlds with Mariana van Zeller) – Investigating Medical Ethics
National Geographic [Muck Media]
Black Market Meds (Trafficked: Underworlds with Mariana van Zeller) – Analyzing the Drug Trade
National Geographic [Muck Media]
Mislead Fly (The New York Times Presents) – Investigating Public Health Issues
FX | Hulu [The New York Times, Left/Right (a North Road company)]
Master of the Mind (60 Minutes) – Investigating Mental Health Issues
CBS News
Starving Gaza (Fault Lines) – Covering Humanitarian Crises
Al Jazeera International USA
Twice Hurt: Asylum Seekers Face Sexual Violence & Abortion Bans (Alex Wagner Tonight) – Investigating Human Rights
MSNBC
What’s My Life Worth? (The New York Times Opinion) – Addressing Societal Values
The New York Times
Outstanding Arts, Culture or Entertainment Coverage – Celebrating Creative Expression
** WINNER: Illegal Gambling (Trafficked: Underworlds with Mariana van Zeller) – Investigating the Underground Economy
National Geographic [Muck Media]
10 Million Names (ABC News Live) – Highlighting Cultural Narratives
ABC
Bruce Springsteen: Backstage and Backstreets (ABC News Studios) – Celebrating Musical Legends
ABC
Finding His Voice (CBS Sunday Morning) – Celebrating Artistic Expression
CBS
The Last Heroes of Normandy (ABC World News Tonight with David Muir and Nightline) – Remembering Historical Events
ABC
Netflix is Betting Big on Latin America (The Circuit with Emily Chang) – Analyzing Industry Trends
Bloomberg
Outstanding Business, Consumer or Financial Coverage – Investigating Economic Trends
** WINNER: The True Cost of Mining Electric Vehicle Battery Metals (True Value) – Analyzing Economic Impact
Business Insider
Migrant Smugglers (Trafficked: Underworlds with Mariana van Zeller) – Investigating Human Trafficking
National Geographic [Muck Media]
Raising the Stakes: America’s Rising Sports Betting Addiction (CBS Reports) – Analyzing Gambling Trends
CBS
Trashed: The Secret World of Plastic Exports (ABC News Live) – Investigating Environmental Issues
ABC
The Trustbuster (60 Minutes) – Investigating Corporate Accountability
CBS News
Outstanding Crime and Justice Coverage – Investigating Legal Issues
** WINNER: Hash Smugglers (Trafficked: Underworlds with Mariana van Zeller) – Investigating Drug Trafficking
National Geographic [Muck Media]
Assassins (Trafficked: Underworlds with Mariana van Zeller) – Covering Crime and Justice
National Geographic [Muck Media]
Breakdown in Maine (Frontline) – Investigating Legal Failures
PBS [Portland Press Herald, Maine Public Radio]
How Russian Hackers Stole Millions from U.S. Investors — Putin’s Dealer – Investigating Cybercrime
CNBC
Sins of the Parents: The Crumbley Trials (ABC News Studios) – Analyzing Legal Proceedings
Hulu
Outstanding News Program in Spanish –
