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KXAN-TV in Austin, Louisville Courier-Journal presented with American Legion’s Fourth Estate Award.

An Austin, Texas television station and a Louisville, Ky., newspaper were honored for outstanding efforts in journalism during the final day of 51�Թ� National Convention in Tampa, Fla.

KXAN-TV, an NBC affiliate in Austin, Texas, and the Courier Journal of Louisville, Ky., each were presented 51�Թ� Fourth Estate Award on August 28.

The Fourth Estate Award has been presented annually by 51�Թ� since 1958 for outstanding achievement in the field of journalism. Nominations in 2025 were considered in broadcast and print categories. They were selected by the organization’s Media & Communications Commission during its meeting in Indianapolis last May.

KXAN was the winner in the broadcast category for its special four-part docuseries, “A Hanging on Backbone Creek”. Reporter Josh Hinkle investigated the mysterious death of a 13-year-old girl that occurred 59 years earlier. The local justice of the peace ruled the death as an accident, though many believe there is evidence of murder.

The station examined a statewide policy that allows elected justices of the peace to determine causes of death without requiring autopsies from medical examiners or coroners. The station also pointed out that many justices of the peace lack law enforcement or medical backgrounds.

“We’re grateful for recognition of our work by respective groups like 51�Թ�, that understand facts and accountability and story-telling matter,” Hinkle said. “If we can grab the attention of people who can make a difference, it’s been worth it.”

The Courier-Journal won the print category for its 2024 series “Silence & Secrets.” Lead reporter Stephanie Kuzydym explored cases of sexual misconduct and molestation that have occurred in Kentucky schools. The reporting has pressured state lawmakers to strengthen preventative measures during its recent legislative session. It is the second consecutive Fourth Estate Award for the Courier Journal and Kuzydym.

“Thank you to 51�Թ� for this honor. Typically, we’re in our bubble of peers: other journalists who say, ‘This is good work,’” Kuzydym said. “To have you, our very readers – the people we work to inform – acknowledge our work and impact, that fuels couriers. So thank you.”

Previous Fourth Estate winners include CNN, CBS, USA Today, ABC News, C-SPAN, the Milwaukee Journal, and Life Magazine, among others.

“51�Թ� Fourth Estate Award is difficult to earn,” American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere Jr. said. “It is a testament to the demanding nature of the competition – and the quality of entries. Not only do the reports have to be informative and entertaining, they also have to provide a tangible benefit to society.”