Ah, you will just have to wait for that announcement until June 25. Unlike in previous years when the Journalist of the Year is revealed in advance, the 2025-26 SPJ San Diego board members have decided to do things a little bit different. We were happy to receive several worthy nominations and making a selection was no easy feat. So, we decided that instead of recognizing one area journalist, we would name three finalists with the winner being revealed during our annual awards ceremony. It will start at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at Riverwalk Golf Club.

We are proud to announce that the 2026 Journalist of the Year finalists are Austin Grabish, an investigative reporter with ABC 10News since 2023; Katie Hyson, a racial justice and social equity reporter with KPBS since 2023; and Kate Morrissey, a journalist covering immigration issues in the San Diego-Tijuana border region since 2016 and co-founder of Daylight San Diego.

Early bird tickets are $50 through 6 p.m. Monday, June 8. Then regular tickets are $65, with sales closing at noon on June 24. If space permits, walk-up tickets will be $75 at the door.

Reserved tables for 8 can be purchased for $500 through June 19. Those purchasing a table also need to email the names of their table’s attendees to spjsandiego@gmail.com by June 23.

Discounts for college students are being offered. Student early bird tickets are $35 through 6 p.m. Monday, June 8. Regular student tickets are $40, with sales closing at noon on June 24. If space permits, walk-up student tickets will be $45 at the door.

Buy your tickets early to save money and before they sell out. Buy your ticket here: http://tinyurl.com/SPJ-SD26awards

Join SPJ San Diego in celebrating the best work of San Diego’s journalists during our annual awards celebration on June 25, 2026.

The Society of Professional Journalists San Diego Pro Chapter will hold its annual journalism awards ceremony from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 25 at Riverwalk Golf Club. First-, second- and third-place, special and top awards will be presented to professional and college journalists. In addition, the 2026 Journalist of the Year will be announced and scholarships will be presented to college students. Don’t miss out on mixing with your fellow journalists from the San Diego region.

There will be a buffet dinner along with desserts, tea and water provided. Riverwalk Golf Club will have a no-host bar option for those wanting to purchase alcohol. This event will be held in an inside/outdoor space.

Early bird tickets are $50 through 6 p.m. Monday, June 8. Then regular tickets are $65, with sales closing at noon on June 24. If space permits, walk-up tickets will be $75 at the door.

Reserved tables for 8 can be purchased for $500 through June 19. Those purchasing a table also need to email the names of their table’s attendees to spjsandiego@gmail.com by June 23.

Discounts for college students are being offered. Student early bird tickets are $35 through 6 p.m. Monday, June 8. Regular student tickets are $40, with sales closing at noon on June 24. If space permits, walk-up student tickets will be $45 at the door.

Buy your tickets early to save money and before they sell out.

Buy your ticket here: http://tinyurl.com/SPJ-SD26awards

Thank you to all who entered our 2026 SPJ San Diego journalism awards competition! We are very excited to celebrate with you on June 25 at Riverwalk Golf Club. Network with fellow journalists, enjoy delicious food and drinks and cheer on the winners.

Save the date and get ready to toast to outstanding journalism! More details on tickets to come!

Drum roll please…

Below is a list of our winners! Congratulations!