Columbia Journalism Award

Voted on by the Columbia Journalism School faculty, this award was established in 1958 and is presented each year at commencement.

The Columbia Journalism Award is given in recognition of exceptional journalistic performance and voted by the faculty “for singular journalistic performance in the public interest.” It is presented annually to someone of overarching accomplishment and distinguished service to journalism.

A Legacy of Courage and Integrity

The first recipient of the Columbia Journalism Award in 1958 was John Netherland Heiskell, the 85-year-old president and editor of The Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock, Arkansas. This decision, made by the Faculty of Journalism at Columbia University, recognized Mr. Heiskell's unwavering courage and principled leadership, which played a pivotal role in the Gazette’s bold and consistent stand on critical issues of the time.

The award continues to be given annually to those whose contributions to journalism reflect similar courage, commitment and public service.

Since 1958, over 60 journalists have joined Heiskell as recipients of this distinguished award.