An Air Force reservist who produces early-morning television out of Kentucky has received a regional Emmy Award for her team’s coverage of a deadly UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville.
Staff Sgt. Tabitha Awoniyi, a member of the commander’s support staff with the 442nd Force Support Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, received the award July 25 as part of WLKY-TV’s morning news team.
The news team won the Morning, Daytime, or Weekend Newscast Category for its coverage of the Nov. 4, 2025, crash of UPS flight 2976, according to a 442nd Fighter Wing news release.
When she is not in uniform, Awoniyi works as the weekday 6 a.m. news producer for WLKY out of Louisville. For that job, she writes scripts, organizes stories, and uses sound news judgment to determine the flow of programs for the station.
“The anchors read the scripts I write on live TV, so the accuracy of the info they present begins with me,” Awoniyi said in the release. “Knowing that others depend on my work has reinforced the importance of taking ownership, paying attention to detail, and remaining composed even in high-pressure situations.”
Covering a Crisis in Louisville
UPS flight 2976 crashed shortly after taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in the early evening on Nov. 4. The airplane was on a domestic cargo run from Louisville to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
Everyone on board was killed, including 12 people on the ground. Twenty-three others were injured as well. Surveillance from the airport shows the aircraft’s left engine and pylon separated from the wing shortly after the plane rotated for takeoff. The NTSB said the investigation is still ongoing regarding the crash.
The accident immediately caused a crazy scenario for the newsroom to cover in Louisville. The journalist had to confirm information at the same time they were monitoring for updates on potential emergency news that could impact the local community.
Awoniyi and fellow producer Caray Grace were recognized for WLKY’s “UPS Plane Crash: From Impact to Aftermath” coverage, according to the station’s announcement of its wins at the 62nd Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Awards. The station itself received 12 awards for its presentation and excellence as well.
“Winning an Emmy was an incredible honor, and a moment I’ll always be grateful for,” Awoniyi said. “Professionally, it affirmed the passion I have for storytelling and the responsibility that comes with telling stories that matter.”
Military Skills Carryover to the Newsroom
The Wingman stated that her military experience helped her keep her cool in high-pressure scenarios and was a driving factor behind her fast-decision-making skills with news events.
“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from the Air Force is the importance of accountability and staying calm under pressure,” she said. “In both military service and a fast-paced newsroom, people rely on you to be prepared, communicate clearly, and execute your responsibilities with precision.”
News producers work behind the scenes, making sure everything remains calm and flows as it is supposed to. The decisions and thoughtfulness are seen on the big screen.
During breaking news, producers must continuously evaluate incoming information and alerts to inform the public in a judicious manner. For Awoniyi, these responsibilities are derived from the high standard of preparation and communication the Air Force has instilled in her.
The Air Force has also influenced how she approaches the subject of her story, as these are people with real lives and real consequences. Journalism also taught her that the public reads and uses the news for their daily life, while the Air Force has reinforced the importance of approaching people with kindness and dignity. In a disaster such as the UPS flight crash, these qualities are paramount.
A Tale of Two Lives
Balancing a military career and a civilian one is tricky, and it is not meant for everyone. While they are two demanding environments, Awoniyi said the roles complement one another by challenging her to develop professionally and use these qualities for the betterment of the community.
“Both roles challenge me to grow, serve others, and represent something greater than myself, and I’m grateful to be able to do both,” Awoniyi said. “Interestingly, I’ve learned that I thrive in a little bit of chaos.”
The leaders of her wing said that her achievements reflect the experience and skills needed to be a thriving airman, of which she is the perfect example.
For Awoniyi, the Emmy is just a recognition of the talent she possesses. At the same time, it shows the required teamwork and attention to detail in order to thrive under pressure in crazy situations like the UPS flight crash. In the future, more service members should strive to be like her.
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