Broadcasting icon Bob Schieffer, the long-time moderator of the CBS news program Face the Nation and a former anchor of the CBS Evening News, will be awarded the first Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism that serves democracy. Schieffer will receive the medal at the 40th Anniversary Bowtie Ball for the Poynter Institute in October.
Schieffer retired in May after 46 years at CBS. In addition to being the host of Face the Nation, he also served as the anchor on Saturday’s CBS Evening News from 1973 to 1996, and was the weekday anchor of the Evening News from March 2005 until August 2006. He had been the network’s chief Washington correspondent since 1982.
“As the first recipient, Bob Schieffer sets a very high standard for the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism that serves democracy,” said institute President Tim Franklin. “It’s fitting that Bob would receive this honor on the year of his retirement, after an incredible 46-year run at CBS News as one of the most trusted and distinguished broadcast journalists of this or any other era. He’s literally done it all, and he’s done it with humility, grace, professionalism, and even a sense of humor. He’s an American and journalism original.”
As he reflected on Poynter and being named its medal recipient, Schieffer said, “I’ve been a fan of Poynter for many years and am well aware of the important services it provides our profession, so it is truly an honor to be the first recipient of this award.”
