NEW YORK CITY – CBS, ABC, CNN, and National Geographic emerged as major winners during the first night of the 2025 News & Documentary Emmy Awards held on Wednesday. The prestigious ceremony recognized excellence in broadcast journalism and documentary film production.
Immediate Impact
In a night filled with anticipation and celebration, ABC World News Tonight With David Muir captured the award for Outstanding Live News Program for the third consecutive year, while CNN’s The Whole Story With Anderson Cooper secured the title for Outstanding Recorded News Program for the second year running.
Key Details Emerge
CBS dominated the evening with a total of five Emmy wins, three of which were awarded to the iconic program 60 Minutes. Following closely, ABC, CNN, and National Geographic each garnered four awards, with The New York Times taking home three.
5 Emmys: CBS leads the night
3 Consecutive Wins: ABC World News Tonight
2 Consecutive Wins: CNN’s The Whole Story
Industry Response
Al Roker, the renowned NBC Today weather anchor, and Jon Else, a distinguished documentary filmmaker, were honored with lifetime achievement awards. The accolades were presented by Bryant Gumbel, highlighting their enduring contributions to the industry.
“We are proud to celebrate those who do the brave work of bringing truth to our nation’s screens,” said Adam Sharp, president and CEO of NATAS. “Their commitment sets a high bar for future generations of journalists and documentarians.”
By the Numbers
- Outstanding Live News Program: ABC World News Tonight with David Muir
- Outstanding Recorded News Program: The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper
- Outstanding Emerging Journalist: Natasha Zouves (NewsNation)
- Outstanding Breaking News Coverage: Hurricane Helene Landfall (The Weather Channel)
- Outstanding Continuing News Coverage: Longform: 60 Minutes (CBS News)
What Comes Next
The awards, presented by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, will continue with the announcement of winners in the documentary categories during a ceremony on Thursday at the Palladium Times Square in New York City. This continuation promises further recognition of outstanding achievements in the field.
Background Context
The News & Documentary Emmy Awards are a hallmark of journalistic excellence, celebrating the most impactful stories and the dedicated professionals who bring them to life. This year’s honorees include Gold Circle recipients Marc Burstein and Martha Teichner, and Silver Circle honorees Akram Abi-Hanna, Cater Lee, Bill Owens, and Deborah Roberts.
Expert Analysis
The timing of these awards highlights the critical role of journalism in today’s society. As media landscapes evolve, the dedication to truth and the pursuit of impactful storytelling remain paramount. Industry experts emphasize the significance of these awards in setting benchmarks for quality and integrity in news reporting.
The first night of the 2025 News & Documentary Emmy Awards has set a high standard, with anticipation building for the remaining categories. As the ceremony continues, the spotlight remains on those who strive to inform and inspire through their work.