Vermont PBS is pleased to recognize Vermont native Raney Aronson-Rath with its first annual Vermont Public Media Ambassador Award, in recognition of Vermonters whose vision and leadership are advancing the role of public media in the digital age.
Having grown up in Washington, Vermont, and attended Chelsea High School, Aronson now serves as deputy executive producer for the much-awarded PBS public affairs program, Frontline, and is a leading voice on the future of journalism. She has been internationally recognized for her work to expand the PBS investigative journalism footprint and to re-imagine the documentary form across multiple platforms. From the emergence of ISIS in Syria to the hidden history of concussions in the NFL to the secret reality of rape on the job for immigrant women, Aronson has shaped Frontline’s acclaimed reporting as she guides the series’ ongoing evolution. Under her leadership, the series has won every major award in broadcast journalism and dramatically expanded its digital footprint.
Aronson credits her Chelsea high school debate teacher, Marilyn Childs, for inspiring her pursuit of a journalistic career, first at the University of Wisconsin and then receiving her master’s degree from Columbia University Journalism School.
Aronson accepted her award at Vermont PBS’ annual “State of the Station” event on April 22nd, where she was also reunited with Ms. Childs. Said Vermont PBS president, Holly Groschner, “Vermont is filled with visionary leaders in public media, and this award intends to honor their contributions. We can’t think of a better recipient than Raney for the inaugural award. Her vision has propelled Frontline – already a respected leader in broadcast journalism – into the forefront of digital public media.
Hers is a leading voice shaping public media for the future. We’re proud to call her a colleague, and a fellow Vermonter.”
Aronson was also recognized by an April 20th Vermont House and Senate resolution honoring her contributions to journalism and to digital public media.
Vermont PBS is Vermont’s statewide public media provider, committed to fostering civic engagement and lifelong learning for Vermonters. More information is available at vermontpbs.org.
Raney Aronson-Rath (left) receives 2015 Vermont Public Media Ambassador Award from Vermont PBS president Holly Groschner.