Publicity Club of Chicago to Honor WGN-TV’s Micah Materre with Media Impact Award at 68th Annual Golden Trumpet Awards
CHICAGO, IL – September 15, 2026 – The Publicity Club of Chicago (PCC) is proud to announce that Emmy Award-winning journalist and WGN-TV news anchor Micah Materre has been named the recipient of its 2026 Media Impact Award.
The Media Impact Award honors an individual or organization whose work has meaningfully shaped the media ecosystem and influenced how information is created, distributed and understood. Materre will receive the award during the 68th Annual Golden Trumpet Awards on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
For more than a quarter century, Materre has been one of Chicago’s most trusted journalistic voices. Since joining WGN-TV in 1998, she has informed viewers through breaking news, major civic events and the everyday stories that define life in the city. Throughout changes in technology, audience expectations and the media landscape, she has remained a constant and credible presence for Chicago viewers.
Beyond her longevity and visibility, Materre’s career is distinguished by the humanity she brings to journalism and the trust she has earned from the communities she serves. Through WGN-TV programs and segments such as “Chicago’s Very Own” and “People to People,” she has introduced audiences to community leaders, unsung heroes and residents whose stories reflect the character, resilience and diversity of Chicago.
“Micah Materre represents the very best of Chicago’s broadcast journalists,” said PCC Co-President Kimberley Rudd. “She works to keep people rather than institutions at the center of every story. Whether she is covering a major civic event or introducing viewers to an unsung community leader, she listens with care, extends dignity and helps audiences better understand the city we share. Micah has earned viewers’ trust through her integrity, consistency and deep commitment to Chicago.”
Materre began her broadcasting career at WBEZ, Chicago’s NPR station, before transitioning to television. Prior to joining WGN-TV, she worked as an anchor and general assignment reporter at WJBK-TV in Detroit. Over the course of her career, she has served in a variety of reporting and anchoring roles, earning recognition for her journalistic excellence and service to the community.
Her contributions also extend beyond the newsroom. Materre regularly participates in community events, moderates public conversations and represents WGN-TV at civic and cultural events throughout Chicago.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Media Impact Award from the Publicity Club of Chicago,” said Materre. “Chicago is my home, and it has been a privilege to spend my career telling the stories of this city and the people who make it extraordinary. Journalism gives us the opportunity to inform, connect and serve our communities. I am grateful to PCC for this recognition and for its longstanding commitment to excellence in communications.”
About the Publicity Club of Chicago Media Impact Award
The Media Impact Award honors an individual or organization whose work has meaningfully shaped the media ecosystem and influenced how information is created, distributed and understood. Recipients demonstrate integrity, advance important conversations and make a lasting contribution to public understanding and the media landscape in Chicago and beyond.
About the Publicity Club of Chicago and the Golden Trumpet Awards
Since its establishment in 1941, the Publicity Club of Chicago has served as a professional home for communications, marketing and public relations professionals. For more than six decades, PCC’s Golden Trumpet Awards have recognized outstanding communications campaigns and distinguished industry leaders from across the Midwest and beyond.
The 68th Annual Golden Trumpet Awards will take place Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Tickets and additional information are available at publicity.org.