KHOL received 10 regional and national journalism awards in 2026, earning recognition from both the Society of Professional Journalists and the Public Media Journalists Association for reporting on Jackson Hole and the Mountain West.
The honors include six “Top of the Rockies” awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and four awards from the Public Media Journalists Association, recognizing KHOL’s reporting on housing, federal land management, immigration policy, mental health and civic life.
“These awards reflect the ambition and public service of our newsroom,” said Emily Cohen, executive director of KHOL. “We’re proud to produce journalism that helps people better understand the community they live in and visit.”
The recognition comes during a period of significant financial uncertainty for public media nationwide. KHOL’s journalism is supported through memberships, philanthropy, underwriting and community partnerships.
Society of Professional Journalists – ‘Top of the Rockies’ Awards
- Business Feature, First Place – “Jackson’s rodeo is selling out and looking to grow” – Dante Filpula Ankney
- Business Enterprise Reporting, First Place – “Politics, press and philanthropy: How a Jackson Hole billionaire couple is shaping Wyoming” – Sophia Boyd-Fliegel (KHOL), Andrew Graham (WyoFile), Jasmine Hall (Jackson Hole News&Guide)
- Mental Health News, Second Place – “Group aims to combat male loneliness” – Sophia Boyd-Fliegel
- Information Graphic, Second Place – “Immigrant license law explainer” – Zoe Curran, Jenna McMurtry
- General Reporting: Series or Package, Third Place “Federal firings, rehirings, leave land managers in the lurch” – Dante Filpula Ankney
- Religion: Feature, Third Place – “Gaza ceasefire stirs celebration, reflection and hope in local leaders” – Dante Filpula Ankney
Public Media Journalists Association Awards
- 2025 Special Coverage Category: Federal Policy, Local Impact, First Place – “Fired federal workers speak out” – Dante Filpula Ankney
- Cross-Platform Storytelling, First Place – “Non-citizen driver’s licenses void in Wyoming, July 1” – Jenna McMurtry
- Spot News, Second Place – “Charlie Kirk was launched in part by Teton County friends” – Sophia Boyd-Fliegel
- Spot News, First Place – “Teton Powwow is becoming a destination, organizers say” – Dante Filpula Ankney
About the Awards:
The Society of Professional Journalists’ Top of the Rockies contest recognizes excellence in journalism across Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico.
The Public Media Journalists Association supports more than 1,800 journalists working in over 130 public media newsrooms nationwide.
