CNN’s Wolf Blitzer received the National Press Club’s Fourth Estate Award earlier this week in recognition of his 44-year journalism career. He received the honor during the organization’s annual gala in Washington D.C.
Blitzer admitted that he is an important part of the media landscape in a time when strong journalism is more vital than ever.
“Some of our colleagues have been brutally harassed and insulted by voters. Others have courageously risked their lives to tell stories of consequence, whether in Aleppo … in Nigeria or other hotspots,” Blitzer said. “They do it. You do it. We all do it, because it matters,” he said.
“It’s a great responsibility and it’s a reminder that it’s not about us,” Blitzer added.
CNN Worldwide president Jeff Zucker, CNN chief political analyst Gloria Borger and former Nightline anchor Ted Koppel were in attendance to congratulate their colleague.
Koppel referred to Blitzer as “the journalist that viewers rely on during crises. In bad times, Wolf, we turn to you,” he said.
Borger credited Blitzer for taking on a wide variety of stories, from an interview with Nelson Mandela, to one with Anthony Weiner, which focused on the then-Congressman’s underwear.
Fellow CNN anchors, members of the NBA’s Washington Wizards, comedians Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O’Brien as well as President Obama were among those who made cameos.
The National Press Club Board of Governors has awarded the Fourth Estate Award since 1973. The late Walter Cronkite was the first recipient. Other honorees include Tom Brokaw (2003), Christiane Amanpour (2008), Bob Schieffer (2010), Jim Lehrer (2011), Bob Woodward (2012), Andrea Mitchell (2013), Charlie Rose (2014), and Gwen Ifill (2015).