Student journalist Santiago Campos, a senior from Washington, D.C.’s District of Columbia International School, wowed the News Emmys crowd on Wednesday night by taking on CBS News as he accepted this year’s Mike Wallace Memorial Scholarship — named after the legendary CBS journo.
As former CBS Evening News anchor Scott Pelley — who presented the award — looked on, Campos said while he wanted to thank CBS News “for funding this generous gift towards my education, I want to also acknowledge how the recent direction of the outlet stains the legacy of Mike Wallace, the namesake of this scholarship.”
He continued: “As corporate elites take hold over the very pipes through which our information flows, journalism that serves people becomes increasingly harder to come by, yet ever more crucial, and what the people want is the truth. So, if at any time you hesitate to utter the word genocide or remain silent in the face of blatant lies. Remember to ask yourself, Who is this for? I hope you choose us.”
Pelley, who has been critical of CBS editor-in-chief Bari Weiss as she makes sweeping changes at the network, applauded Campos’ speech.
“We look forward to seeing your work in the future,” Pelley said. “God, we need young people like you right behind us. I know that Mike Wallace is looking down at you with pride at this very moment.”
As he opened his presentation, Pelley also name checked veteran “60 Minutes” correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi, who was in the audience. Pelley’s shout out to Alfonsi — which received a lengthy applause from the News Emmys audience — came on the same day that Alfonsi said she believed that CBS News had removed her from the newsmagazine.
“There have been many great ’60 Minutes correspondents over the years,” he said. “I see Sharyn Alfonsi there in the audience, one of our nominees tonight for her great work.”
Pelley had previously criticized CBS News for caving to political pressure from the Trump administration; last year on “60 Minutes,” the newsman discussed the exit of former exec producer Bill Owens, noting that “Paramount began to supervise our content in new ways.”
Campos received the $10,000 2026 Mike Wallace Memorial Scholarship at the 47th Annual News & Documentary Awards in New York; his winning submission looked at the recent immigration crackdowns and the fear it has caused throughout the nation — as told through a personal story of his own family.
“Santiago has a talent for in-depth storytelling and a work ethic honed over four years of production classes in high school,” Pelley said. “Whether in front or behind the camera, this student reporter is passionate, careful, and hands-on about the stories that he tells. His mission is to help people understand complex stories that have great social impact and give voice to the voiceless. I think Mike would see something of himself in this year’s recipient.”
Campos also recently received the 2026 Wes Vernon Broadcast Scholarship from D.C.’s National Press Club; the org said its judges “were impressed by his powerful coverage of how U.S. immigration policies have impacted local communities.”
Campos produced his piece, featuring interviews with his relatives about their deportation stories, for the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs.
Watch here to see the 2026 News Emmys; Pelley and Campos’ appearance comes at about one hour and 30 minutes into the ceremony.
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