2016, Tom Brokaw, Former Anchor, “NBC Nightly News”

Tom Brokaw, who helmed “NBC Nightly News” for more than two decades, was the 2016 recipient of the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism in service of democracy.

“The Poynter Institute has long been an invaluable resource for excellence in journalism as a result of its research, publications and seminars,” Brokaw said in a statement. “And so I am grateful and honored to receive its lifetime achievement award.”

The Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement recognizes the outstanding career of a journalist whose work has made a lasting impact serving citizens in our democracy.

Tim Franklin, Poynter’s former president, called Brokaw “one of the best journalists to ever appear in front of a camera” in a statement.

“From his humble roots in South Dakota, Tom Brokaw rose to become one of the most trusted and admired journalists of the last half century,” Franklin said. “He’s the embodiment of what this award is all about — journalistic excellence that serves our democracy.”

Brokaw was honored at an event in St. Petersburg on Dec. 9, 2016.