Carolina Connection wins national Edward R. Murrow Award in podcasting 

A UNC Hussman student-produced podcast examining the growing popularity of raw milk and its health risks earned one of broadcast journalism’s highest honors. 

Carolina Connection, UNC Hussman’s student-produced radio news program, won a 2026 National Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Podcasts, presented annually by the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). 

The award-winning episode, “Raw milk popularity surges as experts warn of health risks,” reported by UNC Hussman alumna Sarah Ellis ’25, examined the growing popularity of raw milk in North Carolina through interviews with advocates, farmers, doctors and researchers about its potential benefits and health risks. 

“Sarah dedicated months of hard work to her reporting on this project – doing research, interviewing experts and seeking out a diverse range of voices from the community, including farmers, parents, doctors and government regulators,” said UNC Hussman Adjunct Instructor Adam Hochberg, who teaches audio and broadcast journalism at the school. “The result was a well-written, balanced, fact-based examination of an important issue. In short, an example of the kind of journalism that citizens need … and UNC Hussman teaches.” 

The honor underscores the strength of Carolina Connection and UNC Hussman’s hands-on learning model. Students handle every aspect of the program’s production, from reporting and writing stories to recording interviews, mixing audio and engineering the weekly live broadcast. 

“This award reflects what happens when talented students are empowered to pursue important stories with curiosity, rigor and a commitment to serving the public,” said Interim Dean Harsha Gangadharbatlaa. “At UNC Hussman, we develop skilled storytellers who can earn trust through accurate, impactful reporting. Our students continue to demonstrate what is possible when they are challenged to do work that meets the highest professional standards.” 

UNC Hussman students have a long history of success in the Murrow Awards competition, earning recognition at both the regional and national levels for reporting, documentary storytelling, audio journalism and multimedia projects.  

The Murrow Awards are widely regarded as one of the most respected honors in broadcast and digital journalism. Named for pioneering journalist Edward R. Murrow, the awards recognize outstanding achievements in electronic journalism across local, national and student media. National winners represent the highest level of competition after advancing through regional judging. 

The 2026 honorees will be celebrated at RTDNA’s Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala on Oct. 12 in New York City.