The media outlet recognized Bruno for his work uncovering ballot fraud in rural North Carolina.
Forbes has recognized the award-winning work of investigative journalist and Elon alumnus Joe Bruno ’14 by naming him to its 2020 30 Under 30 list for media.
A journalist for WSOC-TV in Charlotte, N.C., Bruno has received national recognition for his work uncovering ballot fraud in North Carolina’s Bladen County during the controversial 9th Congressional District race in 2018. Through his reporting, Bruno uncovered an alleged plot by Republican political consultant McCrae Dowless to destroy properly cast absentee ballots and fraudulently include others.
Bruno’s reporting contributed to an investigation that would lead to the indictment of Dowless and four others. The discovery of the alleged fraud led the State Board of Elections to refuse to certify the results of the election and call for a special election that was held in September 2019.
In its recognition, Forbes notes that Bruno’s coverage of the election and potential fraud was picked up by national news outlets and earned him the 2019 Walter Cronkite Award for Special Achievement for National Impact. Bruno was also honored with the prestigious George Polk Award, which is handed out annually by Long Island University to honor excellence in print, digital and broadcast journalism.
On Twitter, Bruno said of the honor, “Truly at a loss for words. Thanks so much @Forbes for the recognition. So honored.”