Nothing is more important to the news media than earning the public's trust and confidence, says Tim Russert, moderator of "Meet the Press" and this year's recipient of the Fred Friendly First Amendment Award, presented by Quinnipiac's School of Communications.

Negative reports about recent mistakes made by the news media prompted Russert to acknowledge in his acceptance speech that it's fine for journalists to strive to get a story first, but first, they need to get it right.

"We know full well a level of accountability is expected of us. It is imperative that we step up and acknowledge when we make a mistake, correct it, move on … and pledge not to let it happen again," he said. He added that he does not know of a major news organization that has not made a mistake.

Russert was presented with the award on May 23, 2005, at the Metropolitan Club in New York City, where more than 100 members of the media joined communications professors in honoring the veteran journalist who also serves as a political analyst for NBC Nightly News and the "Today" show.

Among the guests at the luncheon were newsman Walter Cronkite; Dan Rather, "60 Minutes"; Gwen Ifill, "Washington Week"; CBS news anchor Bob Schieffer; journalist Richard C. Hottelet; former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo; "Good Morning America" correspondent Gregory Hunter; MSNBC legal commentator Dan Abrams; NBC medical commentator Dr. Robert Bazell; and Sal Marchiano, WPIX.

Also, anchors Chuck Scarborough (NBC), Jodi Applegate and Linda Schmidt (both WNYW); Lauren Green (Fox News); Rita Cosby (MSNBC); David Ushery and Felicia Taylor, both WNBC.

Cuomo called Russert a significant force in American politics and communications.

"Tim is an excellent extractor of truth from reluctant witnesses. I feel a sense of gratitude to him, having worked with him, and am personally thrilled every time he is honored," Cuomo said. Russert was a counselor in Cuomo's office in 1983 and 1984.

Scarborough said he knows how difficult it is to maintain structure in a live interview program. "There's a line of questioning you hope to pursue, but you are always constrained by time. Tim does this better than anyone I have ever seen, and he's good at deflecting pat answers and not letting the subject get away with them."

Ruth Friendly, the widow of the legendary broadcast journalist for whom the award is named, termed herself a "Sunday morning 'Meet the Press' groupie." She said what she most appreciates about Russert is his ability to explain complicated issues, such as electoral vote tallies, using a simple wipe board and markers.

In introducing Russert, President John L. Lahey said, "It is an honor, a sacred trust and a privilege to present this award each year and keep alive the legacy of Fred Friendly." Past award recipients are Rather, Bill Moyers, Lesley Stahl, Ted Koppel, Tom Brokaw, Robert MacNeil, Jim Lehrer, Don Hewitt, Peter Jennings, Mike Wallace, Christiane Amanpour and Tom Bettag.

School of Communications home

Photos from the event:

Quinnipiac President John L. Lahey, left, Dean of the School of Communications David Donnelly, Dan Rather, a past recipient of the Fred Friendly Award, Lou Adler, the Fred Friendly Professor of Broadcast Journalism Tim Russert, Ruth Friendly and Mary-Jane Foster, JD '95, a member of the Quinnipiac board of trustees.	Tim Russert, Ruth Friendly and John L. Lahey.
Tim Russert talked with the Quinnipiac Polling Institute staff April Radocchio, assistant director of the Quinnipiac Poll, Mickey Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac Polling Institute, and Doug Schwartz, director of the Quinnipiac Poll.	David Taylor Ives, executive director of the Albert Schweitzer Institute at Quinnipiac, and former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo.
Lynn Bushnell, vice president for public affairs, introduced legendary broadcast journalist Walter Cronkite to William J. Ayers Jr. '70, a member of the Quinnipiac board of trustees.	Michael Calia, director of the Ed McMahon Mass Communications Center, and Jodi Applegate, co-host of "Good Day New York" on Fox 5 News.
Quinnipiac trustee Donald L. Perlroth '53 and Linda Schmidt of Fox 5 News.	Quinnipiac alumni Jonathan Carlson '03, a reporter with WBBH-TV, Channel 2 in Fort Myers, Fla., left, Tim Russert, and Eric Jackson '04, a production associate on NBC's "Today."
Greg Hunter, consumer reporter with "Good Morning America," left, Lauren Green, a newsreader on the Fox News Channel's "Fox and Friends," and Lisa Burns, assistant professor of media studies and public relations.	Walter Cronkite and Tim Russert.