Jackson Kurtz named recipient of first JMC Rising Star Award
LAWRENCE, Kan. – The William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communication (JMC) has selected KMBC/KCWE weekend anchor and reporter Jackson Kurtz as the recipient of its inaugural Rising Star Award.
Established in 2026, the award recognizes an outstanding alumnus who graduated from the University of Kansas within the past 10 years and has demonstrated significant professional achievement, leadership and service to their community and alma mater.
Kurtz, a 2018 JMC graduate, is the award's first recipient. He has worked for the Kansas City ABC/CW affiliate KMBC/KCWE since January 2021 and earlier this year received a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award.
“Jackson embodies the essence of the Rising Star Award, said School of Journalism & Mass Communication Dean Judith Rosenbaum-Andre. “In a relatively short time since graduating from the William Allen White School, Jackson has distinguished himself as an award-winning journalist who is dedicated to the communities he serves and the success of the next generation of reporters and storytellers. Seeing our alumni thrive is deeply rewarding, and we are proud to recognize Jackson's achievements with this award.”
Kurtz discovered his passion for journalism at KU, where he served as an anchor, reporter and producer for the student-run KUJH News. He also anchored and co-created the entertainment news program "The Next." In 2017, Kurtz was selected to lead a Q&A with CBS News journalist Bob Schieffer as part of the annual William Allen White Day celebration. During his time at college, Kurtz received accolades from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the Kansas Association of Broadcasters. He also gained professional experience in the newsrooms of KSNT in Topeka, CBS News in New York City as an International Radio Television Society fellow, and television stations in the Kansas City area.
After graduating from KU, Kurtz began his career as a multimedia journalist at WJCL-TV in Savannah, Georgia. There, he covered major stories including hurricanes, the COVID-19 pandemic, protests, controversy surrounding Confederate monuments and the 2020 presidential election. He also covered Georgia Senate races and numerous breaking news events. His reporting earned Georgia Association of Broadcasters honors for Best Reporter and Best News Story.
Since joining KMBC/KCWE in 2021, Kurtz has served as a weekend anchor and reporter covering stories across the Kansas City metropolitan area. He has reported on everything from the Super Bowl to ICE operations in Kansas City.
An original member of the JMC Young Professional Advisory Board from 2021 to 2024, Kurtz continues to support the school through service and mentorship. He also serves on the KU Alumni Association's Kansas City Network board and is vice president of broadcast for the Kansas City Association of Black Journalists, which provides training, networking and scholarships for aspiring journalists.
"I'm beyond honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Jackson. “I must thank the professors, producers, photographers, and managers who helped get me to this point in my career. The J-School provided opportunities for me that otherwise would have been hard to come by. My time at KU helped shape my passion for storytelling and writing. There are still lessons and techniques that I learned in school, which I still use to this day.”
Kurtz received the award at the 2026 School of Journalism & Mass Communication Scholarship Ceremony on Sept. 23.