Temple University’s student-produced newscast earns historic national recognition for Excellence in Video Newscast
Students and faculty will represent Temple University at the Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala on October 12 at Gotham Hall in New York City
Temple University’s Temple Update will take the national stage on Monday, October 12, when members of the student-produced newscast travel to New York City to accept Temple’s first-ever National Edward R. Murrow Student Award.
The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) named Temple Update the 2026 Student Edward R. Murrow Award winner for Excellence in Video Newscast, recognizing the November 13, 2025 edition of the program as the nation’s best in its category.
The award will be presented during the 2026 Edward R. Murrow Awards Gala at Gotham Hall in New York City, where professional and student journalists from across the country will gather to celebrate excellence in broadcast and digital journalism.
The historic winning edition of Temple Update was anchored by Kevin Gruen and Sydney Humes, with Aidan Cairnsreporting sports and Mariam Elias-Danjuma delivering weather. The newscast was led by Executive Producers Peter Jaroff and Kristina Hammerschmidt. Following Jaroff’s retirement, Hammerschmidt now leads the Temple Updateteam as Executive Producer.
The winning newscast can be viewed here:
Temple Update – November 13, 2025
The National Student Murrow Awards are highly selective. Student entries are judged nationally, with just one individual or student team honored in each category. Temple Update’s recognition for Excellence in Video Newscast marks the first National Student Edward R. Murrow Award in Temple University history.
Produced by students from Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication, Temple Update provides students with the opportunity to experience the demands and responsibilities of a professional television newsroom while still in college. Students serve as anchors, reporters, producers, photographers, editors, directors and technical crew, covering Temple University and the Philadelphia region while working under real-world deadlines and professional broadcast standards.
The award also recognizes the collaborative effort behind each edition of Temple Update. Students take ownership of the editorial and production process while receiving mentorship from experienced faculty and industry professionals.
Presented by RTDNA, the Edward R. Murrow Awards have recognized outstanding achievements in broadcast and digital journalism for more than five decades. Named for legendary broadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow, the awards honor journalism that demonstrates technical excellence, ethical standards and a commitment to public service.
On October 12, the Temple Update team will have the opportunity to celebrate that achievement alongside some of the nation’s leading journalists at one of the industry’s most prestigious events.
For the students, faculty and alumni who have helped build Temple Update over the years, the evening will represent more than the presentation of an award. It will be a celebration of a program that has provided generations of Temple students with the opportunity to learn journalism by doing it.
Congratulations to the entire Temple Update team as they prepare to represent Temple University in New York City and accept this historic national honor.
