2025 Journalist of the Year
Kara Kenney
WRTV Investigates Kara Kenney fights for what's right and holds those in power accountable.
Her investigations into government fraud and waste have resulted in several changes to Indiana state law including more accountability for how schools report bullying incidents, radon testing in schools, as well as a law that requires more transparency in school superintendent contracts.
In 2022, Kara won the Spectrum Award from the Indiana Broadcasters Association for her investigation “Crisis on the Creek,” as well as 1st Place for Investigative Reporting from the Society of Professional Journalists.
In 2018, she was named Indiana’s Best Reporter by the Associated Press.
She was named Journalist of the Year in 2012 by the Indiana Society of Professional Journalists.
Her investigations have earned her 15 Emmys, the Richard Dreihaus Investigative Award from the Better Government Association, an Edward R. Murrow award, and numerous awards from the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists.
Before joining WRTV, Kenney worked as an Investigative Reporter for WBBH-TV in Fort Myers, Florida where she worked on a series called "Tracking Your Tax Dollars". Before that, she worked for WSJV-TV in South Bend, IN and WAOW-TV in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Kenney is a graduate of Indiana University's School of Journalism. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Have a story idea? Reach out: [email protected]
Her investigations into government fraud and waste have resulted in several changes to Indiana state law including more accountability for how schools report bullying incidents, radon testing in schools, as well as a law that requires more transparency in school superintendent contracts.
In 2022, Kara won the Spectrum Award from the Indiana Broadcasters Association for her investigation “Crisis on the Creek,” as well as 1st Place for Investigative Reporting from the Society of Professional Journalists.
In 2018, she was named Indiana’s Best Reporter by the Associated Press.
She was named Journalist of the Year in 2012 by the Indiana Society of Professional Journalists.
Her investigations have earned her 15 Emmys, the Richard Dreihaus Investigative Award from the Better Government Association, an Edward R. Murrow award, and numerous awards from the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists.
Before joining WRTV, Kenney worked as an Investigative Reporter for WBBH-TV in Fort Myers, Florida where she worked on a series called "Tracking Your Tax Dollars". Before that, she worked for WSJV-TV in South Bend, IN and WAOW-TV in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Kenney is a graduate of Indiana University's School of Journalism. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Have a story idea? Reach out: [email protected]
Journalist of the Year Award Criteria
A journalist or reporting organization who’s reporting, commentary or editorial furthers the public understanding of the law and encourages the protection of consumers, injured persons, and the civil justice system
Kara Kenney's Nomination
Submitted by Ashley Hadler
I am pleased to nominate WRTV-6 reporter Kara Kenney as ITLA’s Journalist of the Year. Kara’s unbiased reporting of injustices to vulnerable groups of Hoosiers shines a light on bad acts and the systems that allow them to occur. For instance, she covered proposed legislation that could have stripped nursing home residents of their ability to access the Courts if they were harmed during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has reported on problems stemming from secrecy surrounding Indiana’s mental health facilities. She regularly speaks with families who have suffered injury or loss at the hands of healthcare providers. In sum, her work brings awareness to the systemic issues that often result in personal injury claims and gives people like our clients a platform to share their story.