Holt and Tapper express the importance of journalism and why viewers rely on them.

By Tyler Jones

@TylerJonesLive

ANAHEIM- 77 years ago to the day CBS News’ Edward R. Murrow reported to the nation live on the vicious attacks of Nazi aircraft on London, two journalists inspired by the works of Murrow were honored for their motivated work.

Lester Holt, anchor of “NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt,” was honored with the Radio Television Digital News Association’s (RTDNA) Paul White Award on Friday. The RTDNA describes the award as its “highest honor and recognizes an individual’s lifetime contributions to broadcast or digital journalism.”

Holt’s newscast is NBC’s flagship news program and is one of the nation’s most-watched newscasts. Holt could not be present, as he was on assignment covering Hurricane Irma in Miami.

Holt spoke via satellite on the award and the current state of journalism saying, “Thank you to the RTDNA for this incredible honor. We have a front-row seat to history.”

He went on to say, “What we do matters, not just to audiences, but to the people we cover. People depend on our work in times of crisis.”

Jake Tapper is CNN’s chief Washington correspondent and the anchor of “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” and “State of the Union.” Tapper was also honored with the RTDNA’s John F. Hogan Distinguished Service Award. According to the RTDNA, “The award is named for the founder and first president of RTDNA and recognizes an individual’s contribution to the journalism profession and freedom of the press.”

Tapper joined CNN in 2014 and previously spent nine years at ABC News. Tapper was present for the ceremony to be recognized for his works and spoke on the award saying, “It’s a golden age for journalism. Journalism is a team effort. Some of us are saving lives, literally by providing information.”

The award ceremony was held at the Anaheim Marriott and was attended by a few hundred people, a part of the Excellence in Journalism Conference.