AKSM Media
Cart 0

 THE KEITH B. JONES AWARD

FOR EXCELLENCE IN POLITICAL JOURNALISM

MEM-0222 (1).jpg

About the Jones Award

 
 

Honors excellence in political journalism

The Keith B. Jones Award for Excellence in Political Journalism recognizes a member of AKSM Media's White House Division who exemplifies the highest standards of integrity, tenacity, and excellence in political journalism.

This prestigious award is bestowed annually upon the team member whose reporting demonstrates an exceptional commitment to:

  • Unbiased and Rigorous Reporting: Delivering accurate, contextualized, and objective coverage of the U.S. Presidency, the Administration, and the complex workings of the White House.

  • Investigative Tenacity: Fearlessly pursuing truth and clarity on critical national issues, offering depth and insight beyond the daily headlines.

  • Journalistic Integrity: Maintaining unwavering ethical standards, fostering trust, and ensuring the public is served with reliable, impactful information.

The recipient of the Keith B. Jones Award embodies the core mission of AKSM Media: to innovate, inform, and inspire those who come next and celebrates the vital role of the White House press corps in a free democracy.

 
 

Our Namesake

Keith B. Jones

emmy award winning journalist

 

Photo courtesy of The Augustinian Province of Saint Thomas of Villanova

Keith Jones is a 21-time Emmy Award winning anchor for NBC10 News. You can watch Keith weekday mornings anchoring NBC10 News Today from 5 AM to 7 AM. He also co-hosts The Lineup, a digital newscast streamed on the NBC10 apps on Roku and Apple TV. 

A native of New Egypt in Ocean County, New Jersey and graduate of Villanova University, Keith enjoys writing and telling stories that affect the communities in which he grew up.

Along with anchoring, Keith has field anchored sporting events for the Eagles, Phillies, 76ers, and Flyers. He has also covered college sports, Super Bowls, the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games.

His favorite stories include stepping over the border into North Korea during the Winter Games and covering the national title runs of the Villanova Men’s Basketball team in both 2016 and 2018. The Villanova alumus - who studied communication and philosophy - was a former student-manager under head coach Jay Wright. He even practiced with the team on occasion.

"You were a good enough player that we used you in practice, so you were kind of like half player, half manager,” said Wright in 2016. “You had good length, you had hops."

Prior to joining NBC10 in July 2012, Keith was an anchor and reporter at WHSV, the ABC affiliate in Harrisburg, Virginia; the same station that one of our own - Ryan Hartnett - would transfer to after his time at AKSM Media’s White House Division, where he served as a senior White House producer. Keith then went on to work as a reporter and fill-in anchor at WTAE, the ABC affiliate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

Since 2013, Keith has served as an adjunct professor of broadcast journalism at Villanova University. In 2018, Keith received Villanova’s Young Alumni Medal, which is given annually to one alumnus who has made outstanding contributions to one or more areas of society, including professional, academic, and service to the university. In 2023, Keith was honored with a significant teaching award from Villanova University - The Tolle Lege Award - which acknowledges excellence in teaching in the University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

In 2014, he was honored with the university’s annual Ethos Award, which recognizes an alumnus who serves as a role model to students by demonstrating character, service, and excellence in the field of communication. The same year, Keith was awarded the University’s annual Young Alumni Medallion, which is given to an alumnus who’d graduated within ten years, excelled in his or her professional endeavors, and demonstrated ongoing service to the community and the University.

Keith has been recognized with five Edward R. Murrow Awards and 16 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Anchor in 2021.

An active member of the community, Keith volunteers on the board of directors for nonprofits including Main Line Deputy Dog, the Philadelphia Fireman’s Museum, and Turning Points for Children. He is also an active volunteer with the American Red Cross of Eastern Pennsylvania and Villanova’s Office of Disability Services.

In 2024, Keith was recognized by the Augustinian Order of the Catholic Church for embodying their values of love, truth, and unity at their annual Profile in Augustinian Leadership event.

Keith resides in outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with his wife, Holly, and their son, KJ. 

Photo courtesy of Villanova University

Photo courtesy of Keith Jones

The 2026 Inaugural Keith B. Jones Award

Major News Coming Soon!

We are thrilled to announce that the Keith B. Jones Award for Excellence in Political Journalism will launch with its inaugural presentation in 2026!

The recipient - who has already been selected - is a member of the AKSM Media White House Division who best exemplifies integrity, tenacity, and excellence in coverage of the U.S. Presidency.

More information regarding the selection of the 2026 inaugural honoree, including their name, a detailed profile, and the official presentation date, will be made available later in 2026.

Please check back here for updates on this prestigious recognition of outstanding journalism.

The Award Committee