García honored for his leadership covering the Uvalde, Texas school shooting
Gannett and the USA TODAY Network announced Manny García, Executive Editor of the Austin American-Statesman, is being honored with the Benjamin C. Bradlee Editor of the Year Award from the National Press Foundation. This prestigious distinction honors those who have made significant achievements that enhance the quality of journalism in the United States and recognizes García’s commitment to his community as he tirelessly worked to uncover and publish the facts following the events that occurred in Uvalde, Texas.
A seasoned journalist, García was one year into his role as Executive Editor when the shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas took place. Under his leadership, the Austin American-Statesman shared comprehensive coverage and first-hand accounts, updating readers as the events unfolded. The team took immediate action to serve their community while breaking down barriers of traditional reporting.
When the Texas House Committee Report was issued, García and other Spanish-speaking journalists across the USA TODAY Network and Mexico collaborated with one another to translate the document to Spanish so members of the Uvalde community would have a complete account of the findings in their native language. The Statesman printed 10,000 copies of the translated report which was distributed free of charge at churches, restaurants, libraries and other public locations across the city. García, also made the impactful decision to release footage from the inside the school where the shooting took place. The 77-minute video exclusively obtained by Austin-American Statesman reporter Tony Plohetski, revealed police officers delayed taking action while the gunman was actively shooting.
“I’m humbled to be recognized with this honor which reinforces the importance of telling the difficult stories in hopes that our journalism can help bring about reforms to prevent further senseless tragedies,” said Manny García, Executive Editor of the Austin American-Statesman.
García’s legacy in the industry extends across numerous publications including the Miami Herald, El Nuevo Herald, The Naples Daily News, USA TODAY and ProPublica. He has also served journalism through the Investigative Reporters and Editors, the News Leaders Association and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.
García will accept the 2023 award at the National Press Foundation’s annual dinner in Washington, D.C.
