Longtime CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer has been named the recipient of the 41st annual Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism.
The award is given annually by Arizona State University, whose journalism school is named after the venerable newsman. The honor has been given since 1984 and has recognized “prominent journalists’ accomplishments and leadership throughout their careers”.
“As someone who grew up watching Walter Cronkite every night with my parents, I am honored to receive this award in his name. Cronkite led me to my career in journalism. He set an incredible example for all of us who report the news that continues to inspire young journalists today,” Blitzer said. “Thank you to Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication for this honor. My mom and dad would have been so proud to see this moment.”
“Wolf Blitzer’s career is illustrative of the kind of journalism we need today. It is marked by integrity, excellence and a fierce commitment to serving audiences around the world,” added Cronkite School Dean Battinto L. Batts, Jr. “I look forward to honoring him and introducing him to our inspiring students.”
Previous recipients of the award include Lester Holt, Anderson Cooper, Scott Pelley, and Christiane Amanpour, among others. The 2023 recipient was ABC News anchor David Muir.
Wolf Blitzer — who has been with CNN since 1990 — will receive the award on Tuesday, February 4th at a ceremony held at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown.
