2015, Bob Schieffer, Former CBS News Anchor and Host of “Face the Nation”

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, was awarded the first Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism. Schieffer received the medal at the 40th Anniversary Bowtie Ball for the Poynter Institute in October 2015.

Schieffer retired in May 2015 after 46 years at CBS. He was host of “Face the Nation”, also served as the anchor on Saturday’s CBS Evening News from 1973 to 1996, and he 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 former 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.”

Schieffer was a member of Poynter’s National Advisory Board from 2007 to 2010; as well as visiting faculty for its Leadership Academy in 2003 and 2006.

As a career newsman, Schieffer was one of just a few journalists to have covered all four major national assignments in Washington D.C. — the White House, Pentagon, Congress and the State Department.

Schieffer is the winner of six Emmy Awards. He also was named Broadcaster of the Year in 2002 by the National Press Foundation and was named to the Broadcasting/Cable Hall of Fame. He received the Paul White Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association in 2003 and also became a member of the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 2013.

He is the author of three books about his career in journalism: Face the Nation: My Favorite Stories from the First 50 Years of the Award-Winning News Broadcast, This Just In: What I Couldn’t Tell You on TV, and Bob Schieffer’s America.  Additionally, Schieffer co-authored a book about Ronald Reagan, The Acting President, with Gary Paul Gates, published in 1989.

Schieffer moderated several presidential debates, including those in 2004, 2008 and 2012.