Lesley Stahl to Receive Prestigious International Journalism Award

WASHINGTON, May 13, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For her distinguished career as a trailblazing correspondent, Lesley Stahl of "60 Minutes" will receive the International Center for Journalists' (ICFJ) Founders Award for Excellence in Journalism. She will be honored at ICFJ's 30th Anniversary gala on November 10 in Washington.

"Lesley Stahl has repeatedly shaped the national—and international—debate through groundbreaking work as a CBS White House correspondent, 'Face the Nation' moderator, '48 Hours' host and now as a mainstay on '60 Minutes,'" said ICFJ President Joyce Barnathan. "We are delighted to be recognizing her at our special awards dinner this year."

The Founders Award is given to individuals who demonstrate a longtime commitment to the highest standards of the journalism profession. Christiane Amanpour, Tom Brokaw, Seymour Hersh, David Ignatius and Bob Schieffer are among the past winners.

Stahl's reputation for thorough and fair reporting has earned her many exclusive interviews for "60 Minutes" and "Face the Nation." She spoke with Nancy Pelosi before Pelosi became the first woman named speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and the families of the Duke University lacrosse players who had been exonerated in a controversial rape case.

Her reporting often has tremendous impact. Her interview with a former CIA official about the use of enhanced interrogation techniques on al-Qaeda operatives sparked an international debate on the topic. Her interview with U.S. Air Force pilots who described problems with the F-22 Raptor fighter jet's oxygen system led the Secretary of Defense to take action.

Stahl has won several Emmy Awards, including one for Lifetime Achievement. She received Overseas Press Club honors for reports on Iraq and on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; the Fred Friendly First Amendment Award; the Edward R. Murrow Award for Overall Excellence in Television; and the Dennis Kauff Journalism Award for lifetime achievement in the news profession.

Prior to joining "60 Minutes" in 1991, Stahl served as CBS News White House correspondent during the Carter, Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations. Her book, "Reporting Live," recounts her decades of experience covering Washington.

To learn more about the Awards Dinner or to purchase a ticket, please visit www.icfj.org/dinner.

The International Center for Journalists advances quality journalism worldwide. Our hands-on programs combine the best professional practices with new technologies. We believe that responsible journalism empowers citizens and holds governments accountable. For more information, go to www.icfj.org.

SOURCE International Center for Journalists