Brokaw Named 2007 Andrus Award Winner
For furthering understanding of American history, for illuminating important challenges of the 21st Century such as global warming, and for making an outstanding contribution to the public dialogue critical to our democracy, AARP is honoring former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw with the 2007 Andrus Award, the Association's highest honor.
The award, named in honor of the AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, is presented to distinguished individuals for significant contributions to society. Past recipients have included: the Honorable Colin Powell, Arthur Levitt and Dr. Margaret Mead.
As one of the most trusted and respected figures in broadcast journalism, Brokaw stepped down on December 1, 2004, as the anchor and managing editor of "NBC Nightly News." But Brokaw will continue with NBC News for the next ten years, reporting and producing long-form documentaries and providing expertise during breaking news events.
Recently, Brokaw has received numerous honors, including the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement award, the Emmy Award for Lifetime Achievement and was inducted as a fellow into the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In addition, he has received the Records of Achievement Award from The Foundation for the National Archives; the Association of the U.S. Army honored him with their highest award, the George Catlett Marshall Medal, first ever to a journalist; and he was the recipient of the West Point Sylvanus Thayer Award, in recognition of devoted service to bringing exclusive interviews and stories to public attention.
Complementing his distinguished broadcast journalism career, Brokaw has written articles, essays and commentary for several publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Time, Sports Illustrated, Life, National Geographic, Outside and Interview.
In 1998, Brokaw became a best selling author with the publication of "The Greatest Generation." Inspired by the mountain of mail he received from his first book, Brokaw wrote "The Greatest Generation Speaks" in 1999. His third book, "An Album of Memories," was published in 2001. In November 2002, his fourth best selling book "A Long Way from Home," a reflective look about growing up in the American Heartland, was released.
Brokaw began his journalism career in 1962 at KMTV in Omaha, Nebraska. He anchored the late evening news on Atlanta's WSB-TV in 1965 before joining KNBC-TV in Los Angeles. He was hired by NBC News in 1966 and from 1976-1981 he anchored NBC News' "Today" program.
