TIME’s Sam Jacobs Wins Top Journalism Honor While Redefining Media’s Future
TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs has been named the 2025 recipient of the Daniel J. Edelman Award for Social Impact. The award will be presented at the Big Apple Awards on Thursday, Sept. 18, at Sony Hall in New York City, hosted by the New York Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA-NY).
The honor recognizes Jacobs for his extraordinary leadership at TIME, where he has guided the newsroom through transformation, expanded global coverage, and strengthened the publication’s role as one of the world’s most trusted media voices. The Daniel J. Edelman Award celebrates journalists whose work exemplifies a commitment to truth, public service, and a free press.
“Through our commitment to telling the stories of the leaders who shape the world, TIME’s journalists do our part in shaping the world too. We are grateful to everyone who supports trusted journalism and a free press without which our mission would not be possible,” Jacobs said.
A New Generation of Leadership at TIME
Jacobs, who became editor-in-chief in 2023, is the youngest to hold the role since co-founder Henry Luce. Under his leadership, TIME’s journalism now reaches more than 120 million people worldwide across platforms—the largest audience in the brand’s history.
He has championed coverage in areas such as artificial intelligence, climate, and health, while overseeing editorial staff across the globe. TIME has also launched influential new franchises, including TIME100 AI, TIME100 Philanthropy, and the TIME Earth Awards, alongside iconic traditions such as Person of the Year and TIME100.
“There’s no more valuable real estate in media than the TIME cover,” Jacobs said in an earlier interview with CommPRO, reflecting on the enduring power of print in shaping conversations. That same philosophy underscores the value he places on credibility in a fast-changing media environment.
Praise from Industry Leaders
“TIME produces world-class journalism that drives the global conversation. There is no better leader for guiding that mission today than Sam,” said Jessica Sibley, CEO of TIME.
Richard Edelman, CEO of Edelman, connected Jacobs’ work to the award’s namesake: “Sam Jacobs is an exceptional journalist, guiding TIME’s trusted journalism to its largest audience in history—reaching more than 120 million people worldwide across platforms. My father would be proud that we are recognizing Sam for the social impact he has had in leading TIME into its second century.”
Ken Kerrigan, president of PRSA-NY, added: “Journalists like Sam Jacobs represent what matters most in media today — integrity, innovation, and impact. We are honored to join with Edelman at this year’s Big Apple Awards to celebrate his achievements and commitment to advancing journalism’s role in society.”
Fay Shapiro, publisher of CommPRO, said: “Sam Jacobs reminds us that the power of journalism is in shaping how society understands it. His leadership at TIME is proof that trusted storytelling still carries unmatched influence in an age of disruption.”
A Career Rooted in Reporting
Before joining TIME in 2013, Jacobs was national political correspondent at Reuters, associate editor at Newsweek, and staff reporter at The Daily Beast. His writing has also appeared in the Boston Globe and New York Observer.
For communicators, Jacobs’ recognition is a timely reminder that legacy brands can remain relevant by leaning into innovation without compromising trust. His leadership at TIME demonstrates that when journalism is guided by integrity and purpose, it can still set the global agenda.
Past recipients of the Daniel J. Edelman Award include Al Roker, Bret Stephens, and George Stephanopoulos.
