Austin's KXAN Honored with Prestigious National Murrow Award for Groundbreaking Investigative Work

Well, isn't this fantastic news? Our very own KXAN-TV in Austin, an NBC affiliate, has truly outdone itself, snatching up a highly coveted 2025 National Edward R. Murrow Award. For those in the know, this isn't just any award; it's one of the highest honors in broadcast journalism, presented by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). And what a story it was!

The team at KXAN, part of the Nexstar Media Group family, specifically earned this tremendous recognition in the "Excellence in Innovation" category for large market television. Honestly, when you hear what they uncovered, you'll understand why this award is so incredibly well-deserved. They poured their hearts and minds into a series called, 'A Hanging on Backbone Creek: Unraveling Texas' Antiquated Death Investigations.'

Now, let's talk about the heart of this investigation, because it's a truly poignant one. It delved deep into the mysterious death of a 13-year-old girl named Daynon Lewis, way back nearly 60 years ago in Marble Falls, Texas. Imagine, a young life cut short, and the questions surrounding it lingering for decades. What KXAN's reporting did, quite brilliantly, was use this decades-old cold case to shine a harsh, much-needed spotlight on the frankly antiquated process most Texas counties use to determine how and why someone died. It's a system that, for too long, has left families without answers and justice perhaps just out of reach.

The impact of this groundbreaking work? Oh, it's been profound. KXAN didn't just report; they instigated change. Their powerful storytelling directly led to Texas lawmakers resuming their efforts to finally modernize this critical system. And even more significantly, it prompted a fresh, new review of Miss Lewis's case itself. That, my friends, is what impactful journalism is all about – holding power accountable and giving a voice to those who need it most.

Andrew Alford, who leads Nexstar's broadcasting division, expressed immense pride, noting that this award really underscores the station's unwavering commitment to public service and deeply resonant storytelling. The formal announcement, by the way, came from Nexstar Media Group in Irving, TX, on August 14, 2025. While the RTDNA's award gala for the 2026 winners is set for Gotham Hall in New York City on October 12, the focus here is truly on KXAN's exceptional 2025 win. It’s a moment of immense pride for Austin and for quality journalism everywhere.