The 47th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards, held in New York on Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, for eligible programs that premiered in 2025, were marked by both celebrated achievements in journalism and a moment of powerful critique. A highlight of the ceremony was student journalist Santiago Campos, a senior from Washington, D.C.’s District of Columbia International School, who captivated the audience with a poignant acceptance speech.

Campos received the $10,000 2026 Mike Wallace Memorial Scholarship, named after the legendary CBS correspondent. While accepting the award from former CBS Evening News anchor Scott Pelley, Campos publicly challenged CBS News, stating, “While I wanted to thank CBS News for funding this generous gift towards my education, I want to also acknowledge how the recent direction of the outlet stains the legacy of Mike Wallace, the namesake of this scholarship.” He continued his powerful message, asserting that “As corporate elites take hold over the very pipes through which our information flows, journalism that serves people becomes increasingly harder to come by, yet ever more crucial, and what the people want is the truth. So, if at any time you hesitate to utter the word genocide or remain silent in the face of blatant lies. Remember to ask yourself, Who is this for? I hope you choose us.” Pelley, known for his own past criticisms of CBS News, applauded Campos’ candor, remarking, “God, we need young people like you right behind us. I know that Mike Wallace is looking down at you with pride at this very moment.” Campos’ winning scholarship submission focused on the impact of recent immigration crackdowns, told through a personal story of his own family, which Pelley praised for its “talent for in-depth storytelling” and commitment to giving “voice to the voiceless.” Campos also recently earned the 2026 Wes Vernon Broadcast Scholarship from D.C.’s National Press Club.

In terms of overall awards, ABC News led the night with an impressive eight wins, including the prestigious Outstanding Live News Program for “ABC World News Tonight With David Muir,” marking its fourth consecutive victory in this category. Close behind was Disney sibling Nat Geo, securing seven News Emmys, all attributed to its acclaimed series “Trafficked With Mariana van Zeller.” Although now ended, “Trafficked” dominated with wins for episodes such as “Brides for Sale,” “Black Market Love,” “Scam City,” “Shark Hunters,” “Underground Street Racing,” and “The Tranq Dope Underground.” Al Jazeera International’s “Fault Lines” earned three awards, and CNN received four, including Outstanding Recorded News Program for “The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper.” Notably, ABC News Live achieved its best performance to date with three wins for the streaming news channel.

Other significant moments included Scott Pelley accepting an Emmy for “60 Minutes” and CBS News in the Outstanding Hard News Report: Short Form category for “The War in Gaza.” Pelley also took a moment to acknowledge veteran “60 Minutes” correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi, who was in the audience; his shout-out came on the same day Alfonsi reported her belief that CBS News had removed her from the newsmagazine. Additionally, ABC’s Debra OConnell presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to ABC’s chief Global affairs correspondent Martha Raddatz. NATAS president/CEO Adam Sharp underscored the importance of journalism, stating, “Journalists are torchbearers for the public right to know and to speak.” The News categories were hosted by comedian Amber Ruffin, with Michael Ian Black set to host the documentary categories. Over 900 peer professionals judged more than 2,000 submissions for these awards.

Key winners from various categories included: “U.S. Army’s Grand Military Parade — ABC News Special Report” for Outstanding Live Breaking News Coverage, “The Fires — 60 Minutes” for Outstanding Extended Breaking News Coverage, “Strike On Iran: The Nuclear Question” (Frontline | PBS) for Outstanding Investigative Coverage: Long Form, “Earthquake in Myanmar” (BBC News) for Outstanding Continuing Coverage: Short Form, and “Operation Babylift: The 50 Year Journey” (20/20 & ABC News Live) for Outstanding Light Feature: Long Form. In Spanish-language categories, Victor Valles Mata (Televisaunivision) was named Outstanding Journalist, and “Jorge Ramos: Así Veo las Cosas — I’m Back” (Tres Alebrijes LLC) won for Outstanding News Program. Hanako Montgomery (CNN Worldwide) received the award for Outstanding Emerging News Journalist.