ATSSA’s National Media Award* recognizes a reporter/news organization, blogger or freelancer, who has been fair, balanced and informative in reporting transportation-related issues on radio, television, newspaper and/or the web. Journalists play an important role in telling the public what’s happening in our communities and on our roadways. Note: Only employees of Department of Transportation (DOT) offices or transportation agencies may submit a nomination.

*Employees of a government agency, highway department or DOT are NOT eligible for this award.

Award Type

  • Industry Awards

Call for Nominations

The 2025 call for nominations will be open April 28 - July 11.

Only employees of Department of Transportation (DOT) offices or transportation agencies may submit a nomination. National Media Award nominations will open soon.

Previous award recipients

Kelly O’Brien

Reporter with WMUR-TV in Portsmouth, N.H.

2024

Elizabeth “Beth” Ruyak

Ruyak Media in Fair Oaks, Calif.

2023

No award recipient

2022

Mallory Pearson

Traffic reporter for WJRT-TV ABC 12 in Michigan

2021

No award recipient

2020

David Dildine

Traffic reporter for WTOP radio in Washington, D.C.

2019

David McGee

Senior reporter at the Bristol Herald Courier in Bristol, Va.

2018

Kara Kenney

WRTV 6 investigative reporter

2017

Shannon Deskins

East Kentucky Television

2016

Chuck Henson

Bay 9 News, Florida

2015

Jed Boal

KSL 5 News (Utah)

2014

Matt Long

South Carolina Radio Network

2013

Bryan Painter

The Oklahoman newspaper

2012