Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism

Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. This prestigious honor is presented annually by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. It recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to journalism and demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the public interest. The award is named for the legendary CBS News anchor Walter Cronkite, whose career epitomized journalistic integrity and trust.

History

The award was established in 1991 by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, then known as the Arizona State University School of Journalism. Its creation was championed by the school's dean at the time, Everette E. Dennis, with the endorsement of Walter Cronkite himself, who was deeply involved with the institution. The inaugural ceremony was held in Phoenix, Arizona, and the first recipient was the renowned investigative team of Donald L. Barlett and James B. Steele of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Over the decades, the award has evolved into a major event within the journalism community, often held in conjunction with the school's annual Cronkite Award Luncheon in New York City.

Overview

The award serves as a tribute to the legacy of Walter Cronkite, often referred to as "the most trusted man in America" during his tenure anchoring the CBS Evening News. It is bestowed upon journalists, news organizations, or media innovators whose work reflects Cronkite's core values: accuracy, fairness, integrity, and a dedication to serving the democratic process. The selection is administered by a committee of faculty from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and often includes distinguished alumni and media professionals. Past honorees have come from a wide array of media, including network television, major newspapers, public broadcasting, and digital platforms.

Recipients

The roster of recipients includes many of the most influential figures in modern American journalism. Early honorees included iconic anchors like Dan Rather of CBS News and Peter Jennings of ABC News. The award has also recognized pioneering journalists such as Christianne Amanpour of CNN, Bob Schieffer of Face the Nation, and Judy Woodruff of the PBS NewsHour. Investigative reporting has been frequently honored, with awards going to organizations like The Washington Post, The New York Times, and 60 Minutes. In recent years, the scope has expanded to include digital media leaders and advocates for press freedom, such as Marty Baron, former executive editor of The Washington Post.

Criteria and Selection

The primary criterion for the award is a demonstrable, sustained contribution to journalism that upholds the highest ethical standards and serves the public good. The selection committee, convened by the dean of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, evaluates nominees based on their body of work, impact on the profession, and alignment with the principles exemplified by Walter Cronkite. This often includes groundbreaking investigative reporting, exceptional storytelling, courageous coverage of significant events like the Watergate scandal or the September 11 attacks, and leadership in adapting journalism to new technological landscapes. The process is highly competitive and confidential, with the final decision ratified by the school's administration.

Ceremony and Presentation

The award is typically presented at a high-profile luncheon ceremony, often held at a prestigious venue in New York City, such as the Waldorf Astoria New York or the New York Hilton Midtown. The event is a significant fundraiser for student scholarships and programs at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The ceremony usually features remarks from the dean, a keynote address by a notable media figure, and an acceptance speech from the honoree. Prominent guests have included media executives from NBCUniversal, The Walt Disney Company, and News Corp, as well as journalists from across the industry. The event is widely covered by trade publications like Variety (magazine) and The Hollywood Reporter.

Category:Journalism awards Category:Arizona State University Category:Awards established in 1991