PULLMAN, Wash. – The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication presented its Distinguished Achievement Award to the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation for continued excellence in support of journalism and journalism education.
“Knight Foundation believes in building skills in journalists as well as supporting initiatives that sustain journalistic values,” said Lawrence Pintak, founding dean of the Murrow College. “We recognize these values every day when we teach our students the skills and ethics first established by Murrow.”
The presentation was made during the college’s 39th symposium in honor of its greatest alumnus, Edward R. Murrow. Knight Foundation joins a list of previous award winners that includes such names as Dan Rather, Peter Jennings, Ted Koppel, Tom Brokaw and Don Hewitt.
Accepting the award, Eric Newton, Knight Foundation senior adviser to the president, told those gathered, “This honor is singular. We will treasure it. We are humbled by the company of the legends you would have us join.”
Newton spoke of the power of Murrow himself and challenged students to be the voice most needed as new forms of media emerge.
“Murrow said, ‘When the evidence on a controversial subject is fairly and calmly presented, the public recognizes it for what it is – an effort to illuminate rather than to agitate,” said Newton. “In the words of our own Jack Knight, ‘We seek to bestir the people into an awareness of their own condition, provide inspiration for their thoughts and rouse them to pursue their true interests.’ ”
About the Murrow Symposium
The symposium is held to honor exceptional achievement in communication, celebrate scholarship and connect students to industry professionals.
It began nearly four decades ago as a panel discussion and lecture series designed to honor the legacy of Murrow, regarded as a broadcasting icon because of the news reporting and ethical standards he brought to his craft.
Established in 2008, The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication has continued the tradition of honoring achievements of top leaders in the communication industry at its symposium.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
The foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. It advocates that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. www.knightfoundation.org.
Contacts:
Darin Watkins, The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, 509-335-4456, darin.watkins@wsu.edu
Anusha Alikhan, director of communications, Knight Foundation, 305-908-2677, media@knightfoundation.org