NBC News’ Andrea Mitchell was honored at the Reporters’ Committee Freedom of the Press Awards dinner last night in New York.
NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt introuced Mitchell, saying: “I think I speak for all of us when I say that Andrea Mitchell is not just an incredible, award-winning journalist, but a true and dear friend. She is the heart and soul of our operation. She is tireless in her pursuit of the story, and I do mean tireless. None of us are sure if or when Andrea sleeps.”
In her acceptance remarks, Mitchell noted that despite the immediacy and reach technology has brought to reporting, “we have to constantly remind ourselves of first principles: accuracy, context, to not be distracted by the next shiny object.”
Mitchell added: “We are not the enemies of the people,” she added. “We are not fake news. Those slogans are meant to isolate us from the public – to diminish our credibility and undercut our effectiveness.”
The longtime NBC Newser (40 years and running) also brought up the tradition of the White House press briefing, saying it has “now been reduced to reporters chasing White House aides as they walk back after appearing on one favorite morning show.”
Today marks 58 days since the last White House press briefing.
A number of NBC Newsers were on hand to support the honorees, including Lester Holt, who introduced Mitchell, Noah Oppenheim, Phil Griffin, Chris Matthews, Kristen Welker, NBC News svp of special programming Rashida Jones, Carol Lee, Today show ep Libby Leist, head of NBC politics Dafna Linzer and Nightly News ep Jenn Suozzo.
CNN had a presence at the dinner as well, per Wolf Blitzer’s Twitter feed:
The @CNN table at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Awards Dinner In NY. Such an important cause — especially now. #RCFPAwards @RCFP pic.twitter.com/RilMBxSPRE
— Wolf Blitzer (@wolfblitzer) May 8, 2019