SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Syracuse Press Club will honor Mike Kuehner, chief photojournalist at Spectrum News 1 in Syracuse, with its 2026 Selwyn Kershaw Professional Standards Award, recognizing a career defined by excellence, integrity and service to the profession.
The Professional Standards Award is presented annually to a journalist who exemplifies the highest ethical standards, leadership and dedication to the craft.
Kuehner’s career in journalism spans nearly two decades, during which he has become a fixture in central New York news coverage. Born in Broome County, his path into journalism began early, delivering newspapers before dawn.
Though he initially considered a career in education, Kuehner ultimately found his calling in television production. After his first experience shooting and editing video, he was hooked.
Kuehner’s professional journey has taken him across the country, with stops in Binghamton, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Tampa and Orlando before ultimately returning to central New York. He began his newsroom career at WIVT-TV in Binghamton and went on to work at an ABC affiliate in Buffalo before building a reputation as a trusted and highly skilled photojournalist.
Over the years, Kuehner has covered a wide range of stories — from local school board meetings to some of the biggest events in sports, including the Super Bowl, World Series, Final Four and the Daytona 500. His work has also documented major national and regional moments, including the Sept. 11 attacks, the killing of Trayvon Martin, and numerous extreme weather events, from lake-effect snowstorms to hurricanes, wildfires and tornadoes.
Colleagues say Kuehner’s impact extends far beyond the images he captures. In nomination letters, coworkers described him as the “quintessential role model” in the field.
“Photographers rarely get the recognition they deserve,” wrote Victoria Garcia of Spectrum News 1. “Mike is always the first person to jump in and lend a hand … even when he isn’t working.”
Kuehner has contributed to major enterprise stories at the station, including reporting on toy gun safety, the 10-year anniversary of the Dannemora prison escape and coverage of families experiencing homelessness. At the same time, he plays a key role mentoring the next generation of journalists, working with students through a partnership with Syracuse University and serving as a trusted resource for colleagues in the field.
“He’s always incredibly kind and helpful,” Garcia wrote. “He inspires me to be a better person and journalist.”
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Kuehner is a dedicated husband and father to three sons, Andrew, Bryce and Connor, and his wife, Nichole.
The Syracuse Press Club will recognize Kuehner at its annual Professional Recognition Awards ceremony this spring, celebrating a career that reflects the very best of journalism.