Honoring Excellence in Service: RTDNA's 2026 Board Recognition Awards

One of RTDNA's core pillars is recognizing excellence in journalism. Each year, the board of directors pauses to honor those who exemplify that mission through their own service: individuals who go above and beyond to keep the association and its foundation strong and show up for their fellow members.

This year, we're proud to recognize three outstanding individuals whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact on RTDNA and the RTDNA Foundation.

Rob Downey Citation

The Rob Downey Citation is named for RTDNA's first executive secretary and is presented annually to recognize exceptional service to the board of directors. In the spirit of Downey's steady, behind-the-scenes leadership, the citation honors those whose contributions may not always make headlines, but whose work makes everything else possible.

This year's recipient has spent years doing exactly that kind of quiet, essential work. Through her leadership of the RTDNA Ethics Committee, she has guided the organization through the painstaking process of shaping, revisiting, revising and retooling its ethics coverage guidelines. That work directly equips newsrooms across the country with the resources they need to make sound, responsible decisions. Her dedication to this effort goes well beyond a single term or a single year. It reflects a sustained commitment to getting it right.

The 2026 Rob Downey Citation is awarded to Becky Bruce, RTDNA Ethics Committee chair and news director for KSL NewsRadio in Salt Lake City.

Bob Priddy Award

Bob Priddy is one of RTDNA's most distinguished former board members, having served for 27 years before stepping down in 2010. The award created in his honor is presented annually to a board member who reflects that same standard of steady, thoughtful service and a deep commitment to the long-term health of the organization.

That kind of service is rarer than it sounds. Institutional knowledge matters, but so does the willingness to grow alongside an organization, approach change with an open mind and help move things forward without losing sight of what makes RTDNA worth serving. This year's recipient has done both.

He's been a familiar, trusted presence around the conference halls and the board table, and his leadership as RTDNA treasurer reflects the same careful stewardship that has always defined the best of this organization.

The 2026 Bob Priddy Award is presented to Vince Duffy, RTDNA treasurer and news director at Michigan Public.

Barney Oldfield Distinguished Service Award

The Barney Oldfield Distinguished Service Award honors retired Air Force Col. Barney Oldfield, founder of the RTDNA Foundation. Oldfield was a philanthropist who believed passionately in the importance of journalism, and this award is presented annually to someone who has contributed their time, energy and commitment to the growth and success of the RTDNA Foundation.

This year's recipient has given generously on every front. He has supported the Foundation financially, stepped up as emcee whenever asked and made time, no matter where he was, to speak with journalists and students about the profession with genuine passion. He is, simply put, a friend to RTDNA and everything it stands for.

The 2026 Barney Oldfield Distinguished Service Award is presented to Pierre Thomas of ABC News.