Schieffer and Thomas Speech

Schieffer and Thomas Honored at 35^th Murrow Symposium

New technology and the lack of morals and integrity has led to the downfall of journalism said 2009 Edward R. Murrow Award for Lifetime Achievement in Broadcast Journalism recipient Bob Schieffer.

In a time where any and everyone is capable of producing news content through the internet it is up to future journalists to maintain the credibility and integrity of journalists of the past, Schieffer told a crowd of about 1,000 at Washington State University’s Beasley Coliseum.

“The key for journalism, whether it be broadcast or print is you must be accurate,” Schieffer said. “The problem with the web is it is the only vehicle without any source of editing, we must adhere to the policy that we don’t broadcast or publish unless it’s true.”

Schieffer recalled growing up with newspapers ever since he was a child, and said he couldn’t imagine “not starting my day with coffee and a newspaper.”

The 72-year-old Schieffer began his career at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram where he served as a reporter. In 1969, he took a job with CBS News and over the course of Schieffer’s career at CBS, he served 23 years as the anchor on the Saturday edition of CBS Evening News, and has been the moderator of Face the Nation since 1991. Currently, he is the chief Washington correspondent, a position he has held since 1982.

“I’ve been a huge fan of Schieffer ever since I can remember,” Albion resident Jeff Boyle said. “I feel he is one of the few journalists out there that is well-balanced and shows no bias.”

Along with the 2009 Edward R. Murrow Award, Schieffer has won six Emmy Awards, two Sigma Delta Chi awards (Society of Professional Journalists for Excellence in Journalism), and is a member of the broadcasting/cable hall of fame.

Helen Thomas, known for her work as a White House correspondent for every United States President since John F. Kennedy, was awarded with the 2009 Edward R. Murrow Award for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism.

Thomas shared Schieffer’s take on the current state of journalism and showed discontent for how technology has changed how people get the news.

“Unfortunately in today’s times anyone with a laptop thinks they’re a journalist,” Thomas said. “These people fail to get the accuracy and truth needed to tell the complete story, I’m mourning journalism.”

Thomas questioned the morals and values of electronic journalists and said the key for “good journalism” was ‘following the truth, regardless of where it leads you.”

The 89-year-old Thomas, a Wayne University (now Wayne State University) graduate in 1942, moved to Washington D.C., shortly after graduation to take a job with the now defunct Washington Daily News.

In 1943, Thomas began work with United Press International as a reporter on women’s topics. In 1955, Thomas started, what would turn out to be a long career, covering politics on Capitol Hill. Her first beat covered the United States Department of Justice.

Thomas began covering United States presidents during the presidency of John F. Kennedy and at this time she began the tradition of ending all presidential news conferences with “Thank you, Mr. President.”

Thomas’ career achievements include being the only journalist, male or female, to accompany President Nixon on his trip to China, becoming the first woman to hold a position of bureau chief during her time at UPI and becoming the first female officer of the National Press Club.

“Helen Thomas paved the way for women,” Albion resident Ginny Boyle said. “She’s well-spoken and an inspiration to everyone.”

Sources

Bob Schieffer

Helen Thomas

Jeff and Ginny Boyle (509) 332-5019