ABC News’ Gio Benitez Named Emcee of PRSA-NY’s 2026 Big Apple Awards Gala

“Good Morning America” weekend co-anchor and ABC News transportation correspondent will emcee the September 17 celebration at Sony Hall in New York City

NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PRSA-NY today announced that Gio Benitez, co-anchor of the weekend edition of “Good Morning America” and ABC News transportation correspondent, will serve as emcee of the 2026 Big Apple Awards Gala, taking place Thursday, September 17, at Sony Hall in New York City.

Established in 1988, the Big Apple Awards celebrate outstanding achievement in public relations, marketing communications, and reputation management. This year’s theme, “Where Stories Move Hearts, Minds and Markets,” underscores the power of communications and storytelling to drive impact in the nation’s largest media market.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Gio Benitez as our emcee,” said Paul Cohen, PRSA-NY president. “Gio is an exceptional journalist and storyteller who understands the power of great stories to inform, connect and move people. He’s a perfect fit for a night celebrating the power of great communications. And anyone who’s watched him on GMA knows he’ll bring tremendous warmth and energy to the room.”

Benitez joined ABC News in 2013 and reports across the network’s programs and platforms, including “20/20,” “Good Morning America,” “GMA3,” “Nightline,” “World News Tonight with David Muir,” ABC News Live, and ABC News Radio.

As ABC News transportation correspondent since 2020, Benitez covers aviation, space, railroads, and the auto industry. Over the course of his career, he has reported on some of the nation’s biggest stories, including the Pulse nightclub shooting, the Boston Marathon bombing and El Chapo’s escape from a Mexican prison.

Benitez also has a long history of investigative reporting through “GMA Investigates,” with some of his work leading to important safety recalls. Before joining ABC News, he was a reporter and investigative producer at WFOR-TV in Miami, covering stories ranging from the 2012 presidential election and the Trayvon Martin case to Medicare fraud, public safety, and government corruption.

Celebrating the Best of New York Communications

The 2026 Big Apple Awards Gala will bring together leaders from agencies, brands, media, and the broader communications community at Sony Hall.

The evening will recognize standout campaigns and organizations, honor some of the communications industry’s most accomplished leaders through the 2026 PRSA-NY Individual Awards, and celebrate the 2026 PRSA-NY 15 Under 35 Class of rising professionals helping shape the industry’s future.

The gala takes place Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Sony Hall in New York City. Tickets and tables are available, with early-bird pricing through August 31.

2026 PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards Gala
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Sony Hall, New York City
Emcee: Gio Benitez, ABC News
Theme: “Where Stories Move Hearts, Minds and Markets”

Sponsors for 2026 Big Apple Awards

PRSA-NY is grateful for the support of its members and the broader PR community, including Big Apple Awards sponsors Edelman, HUNTER, Burson, MikeWorldWide, 360PR+, Truescope, Davis + Gilbert LLP, Baker Tilly x Anchin, The Museum of Public Relations, D S Simon Media, Coyne PR, Bospar and Notified. Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels to join the Sponsor Honor Roll. Contact fays@commpro.biz to learn more.

About the PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards

The PRSA-NY Big Apple Awards celebrate excellence in public relations and communications in one of the world’s most influential communications markets. The program recognizes exemplary campaigns, organizations and individuals while bringing together the people who are advancing the profession.

About PRSA-NY

The Public Relations Society of America, New York Chapter (PRSA-NY), serves communications professionals throughout the greater New York metropolitan area through professional development, networking, recognition and programs designed to strengthen and advance the profession.

Press Contact:
Justine Mrsich, M.S., APR
justine.mrsich@outlook.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/994084ca-c0bf-4bd4-a9f1-6095816c8288

ABC News’ Gio Benitez to Emcee PRSA-NY’s 2026 Big Apple Awards

ABC News’ Gio Benitez will emcee PRSA-NY’s 2026 Big Apple Awards Gala Sept. 17 at Sony Hall in NYC, celebrating excellence in communications and PR.