Honoring impact and integrity in journalism
Each year, the Cronkite School presents a leading journalist with the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, one of journalism’s most prestigious honors. Walter Cronkite himself presented the first award in 1984, and winners join the ranks of David Muir, Anderson Cooper, Robin Roberts, Lester Holt, Judy Woodruff, Gwen Ifill, Tom Brokaw, Al Michaels and Katharine Graham.
Known as one of the most anticipated media events in Phoenix, the Cronkite Award luncheon draws leaders from the worlds of media, business and education to celebrate journalism’s very best and support student success.
Celebrate Wolf Blitzer
The Cronkite School is proud to present the 41st Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism to Wolf Blitzer, anchor of CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.” During his 51-year career in journalism, Blitzer has earned a Peabody Award, an Alfred I. DuPont Award, an Edward R. Murrow Award, an Emmy Award and more for his outstanding, impactful coverage of international events; on Feb. 4, he’ll add the Cronkite Award to his accolades. Join us!
The Cronkite Award Luncheon, honoring Wolf Blitzer
Feb. 4, 2025, 11:30 a.m.
Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Sponsorship package are available; contact Ruben Olmedo, Ruben.Olmedo@asufoundation.org or 602-496-5142.
Your Impact
Thank you to our sponsors! Your support of the Cronkite Award nurtures the next generation of journalism and media leaders. Each year, more than 70 media outlets, communication agencies and individual industry leaders sponsor the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, bringing meaningful awareness and support to student success initiatives like these:
Scholarships that enable students to complete their education
A journalism contest that recognizes top reporting on underserved communities
Travel support for students to accept awards and report abroad
Community engagement reporting on critical health issues
A visiting professorship that brings professional visual journalists to Cronkite
Election and Olympics coverage opportunities for students
Our 2024 winner
The 40th Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism honored David Muir, anchor and managing editor of “ABC World News Tonight with David Muir” and co-anchor of ABC’s “20/20.” Accepting his award, Muir told Cronkite students: “I’m here to tell you there is no more important path than the one you have chosen in this moment: journalism. A hunger for the truth, the pursuit of storytelling in a time of so much noise out there.”