Since 1977, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has recognized outstanding contributions to public radio by presenting the Edward R. Murrow Award. This award honors individuals or organizations whose work has fostered the growth, quality, and positive image of public radio.
During three decades in broadcasting as reporter, producer, executive, and government official, Murrow was an outspoken advocate for responsible, courageous, and imaginative use of the electronic media. These principles apply particularly to public radio and to those who have helped shape its direction.
Murrow Award winners' contributions and achievements may have occurred over many years or during a short period of time and can include any facet of public radio. Individuals need not be professionals in public radio but should be active in promoting this unique informational and cultural resource.
2015
Ofeibea Quist-Arcton
International Correspondent, NPR
David Gilkey
Photographer and Video Editor, NPR
» Press release
2006
Kevin Klose
President and Chief Executive Officer, NPR
» Kevin Klose
» Kevin Klose's Acceptance Remarks
» Press release
2001
Richard H. Madden
Vice President, Radio, CPB
» Richard Madden
» Richard Madden's Acceptance Remarks
» Press release
1996
Jay Allison
Independent producer
1995
Lynn Chadwick
President, National Federation of Community Broadcasters
1994
Tom Church
President, Radio Research Consortium
David Giovannoni
President, Audience Research Analysis
1993
Douglas J. Bennet
Former President, NPR
1992
Kenneth N. Dayton
Founding Chairman, American Public Radio
1991
E. Wayne Bundy
Executive director of the Rocky Mountain Corporation for Public Broadcasting
1990
Cokie Roberts
NPR Congressional Correspondent
1989
Leo C. Lee
Founder and president of Western Public Radio
1988
Joe N. Gwathmey
Founder and President, Western Public Radio
1987
Thomas J. Thomas and Theresa R. Clifford
Former Vice President of Programming, NPR
1986
William H. Siemering
Creator, All Things Considered
1985
Garrison Keillor
Creator and Host, A Prairie Home Companion
1984
Bob Edwards
Host, NPR's Morning Edition
1983
Samuel C.O. Holt
Former Senior Vice President of Programming, NPR
1982
Ronald C. Bornstein
Former Board Member, NPR
Former Vice President for Telecommunications, CPB
1981
William H. Kling
President and Founder, Minnesota Public Radio
1980
Susan Stamberg
Co-host, NPR's All Things Considered
1979
Albert L. Hulsen
First CPB Director of Radio Activities
Creator, On the Way Home, forerunner of All Things Considered
1978
Donald R. Quayle
First President of NPR
Former Senior Vice President of Broadcasting, CPB
1977
Burton D. Harrison
Public radio pioneer
Former Manager, KWSU-AM
*Award presented the following year