Awards & Honors

– Individual and Team Recognition

Over nearly two decades at RFA, in various roles from a reporter all the way up to deputy director, my work and leadership have been recognized through prestigious national and international awards for investigative reporting, multimedia storytelling, and editorial excellence. These honors reflect both my personal contributions and the collaborative achievements of teams I have led, managed, and nurtured.

Date: 2005 – 2025

Platforms: Radio • TV • Web • Social Media

Minh-Ha Le, the web editor from Multimedia and Nayrein Kyaw from Burmese Service receiving the Murrow Awards in December 2024.

Team Awards

2025 – National Edward R. Murrow Award, Digital – RTDNA
“Myanmar's Gen Z Fighting for the Country's Future” — A powerful portrait of a new generation risking everything for freedom in the aftermath of Myanmar’s 2021 military coup.
2025 – National Edward R. Murrow Award, Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – RTDNA

“Nyah Mway: The Boy Who Will Forever Be 13” — A deeply tragic investigation into the fatal police shooting of a Karen refugee boy in Utica, NY, and the lasting pain carried by his family and community.

2024 – National Edward R. Murrow Award, Digital – RTDNA

Under the Gun in Myanmar: Life has gone from bad to horrific for many in the country since the military’s February 2021 coup. Digital story on civilian tolls by Myanmar’s 2021 military coup.

2023 – Telly Awards, Visual Storytelling
“Myanmar Street Typist” — Recognized for creativity and impact in short-form video storytelling.
2009 – New York Festivals Gold Award, Best Ongoing News Story
Cyclone Nargis coverage — in-depth reporting on Myanmar’s devastating cyclone and its aftermath.
2008 – The David Burke Distinguished Journalism
Coverage of the Saffron Revolution — honored for bravery and impact during historic pro-democracy protests.
2008 – New York Festivals Gold Award
Coverage of the Saffron Revolution — excellence in international reporting.

After receiving award for the Best Ongoing Investigative News Story at New York Festivals in September, 2010.

Individual Awards

2024 – Gracie Award, Environmental Reporting - Shin Daewe (RFA Burmese Correspondent)
“Ayeyarwady Riverbank Erosion” — A powerful climate change feature produced by Shin Daewe (later imprisoned for her work).
2018 – New York Festivals Bronze Award – Wai Mar Htun (RFA Burmese Reporter)
“Child Soldier Recalls His Plight” — A profile of former child soldier Aung Ko Htway. After the interview aired, he was arrested and sentenced to two years’ hard labor, underscoring the risks faced by subjects of independent journalism.
2018 – David Burke Journalism Award – Kan Thar (RFA Burmese Reporter)
Recognized for fearless reporting on human rights issues in Myanmar, amplifying stories of marginalized communities despite censorship and personal risk.
2014 – David Burke Journalism Award (Posthumous) – Moe Thu Aung (RFA Burmese Reporter)
Among the first journalists hired by RFA in Myanmar after media reforms. Covered ethnic conflicts, elections, political reforms, and President Obama’s 2012 visit. Died tragically on assignment in 2013 at age 23; honored for courage and dedication.

2010 – New York Festivals Bronze Award – KyawMin Htun (RFA Burmese Reporter)
Human Trafficking Reports — groundbreaking investigative series exposing abuse of Burmese migrants in Malaysia.

Burmese Service team with the gold medal from the prestigious New York Festivals for its coverage of the September 2007 “saffron revolution.

RFA Burmese Service team with Mr. David W. Burke (1936-2014), the first chairman of the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) whom the awards were named after, during the award receiving ceremony in September, 2008 at BBG (later became the US Agency for Global Media).

Telly Awards, Visual Storytelling (2023) “Myanmar Street Typist” — Recognized for creativity and impact in short-form video storytelling

My Role:

Award-Winning Journalist, Producer, Team Leader & Mentor

Responsibilities:

Produced and reported award-winning investigative work on human trafficking, natural disasters, and conflict in Myanmar.
Served as Executive Producer and Senior Editor overseeing multiple Murrow and international award-winning multimedia projects.
Guided teams in developing innovative storytelling methods across radio, TV, web, and social media.
Mentored and coached young reporters who went on to receive individual honors (including Burke and NYF awards).
Represented RFA Burmese in submissions, award nominations, and recognition ceremonies.
Ensured editorial rigor, ethical reporting, and cross-platform excellence that met international award standards.

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