ARLINGTON, VA; May 16, 2023 – Today, PBS announced FRONTLINE as the recipient of the 2023 Beacon Award for its unparalleled track record of producing quality investigative journalism. The highest honor in public television, the Beacon award pays tribute to individuals whose work inspires Americans and enriches our nation, in keeping with the mission of PBS.
PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger presented the award to FRONTLINE at PBS’s Annual Meeting of Member Stations.
"With decades of dedicated service to our viewers, FRONTLINE consistently demonstrates the power of storytelling and the incredible impact of trustworthy reporting,” said Kerger. "We are honored to present PBS’s highest award to the FRONTLINE team for their extraordinary investigative journalism and commitment to the public media system."
FRONTLINE has chronicled pivotal moments in history and continues to address the complex issues that shape our world. In an era when fewer and fewer resources are devoted to investigative journalism on television, the impactful documentary series regularly delivers thought-provoking reporting and in-depth analysis of current affairs. Through compelling storytelling, FRONTLINE takes on controversial topics, asks hard-hitting questions, and uncovers facts the public should know. As U.S. television's longest running investigative documentary series, FRONTLINE has won every major journalism and broadcasting award and remains a trusted source for news and public affairs.
PBS is proud to honor FRONTLINE with the Beacon Award for its many cultural contributions, impact, and leadership across public media.
The PBS Beacon Award, formerly known as the Be More Award, was established in 2004. Last year’s recipient was Sonia Manzano. Other former awardees include Fred Rogers (2004), Jim Lehrer (2005), Bill Moyers (2006), Neil DeGrasse Tyson (2008), Ken Burns (2009), Joan Ganz Cooney (2010), Rebecca Eaton (2011), Gwen Ifill (2012), Alberto Ibarguen (2013), Miles O’Brien (2014), David Fanning (2015), Newton Minow (2016), Bill Isler (2017), Stanley Nelson (2018) Judy Woodruff (2019), and Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (2021).
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CONTACT:
Jason Phelps, jbphelps@pbs.org