Longtime Pardon the Interruption hosts Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser have earned every plaudit they’ve received through decades in print and on television. Now they are receiving one of the most prestigious awards in media.
The duo has been named the 2027 recipients of the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism. The award has been given by the Cronkite School at Arizona State University for 43 years in honor of the legendary CBS News anchor.
“Mike and I have been doing this together for more than 45 years between our time at The Washington Post and PTI,” said Kornheiser in the announcement. “Receiving the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism is unexpected and an incredible honor – and being able to share it with Mike makes it all the more meaningful.”
“To receive an honor bearing Walter Cronkite’s name is humbling, because you immediately think about the standard he set for journalism. And to share it with Tony, my friend and partner for more than four decades, makes it even more special. I’ve been fortunate to call Scottsdale home for a significant part of my life, so I feel a personal connection to the Cronkite School, and I’m grateful that this recognition further strengthens that bond,” Wilbon said.
The award has celebrated some of the biggest names in American media, including Tom Brokaw, Bob Woodward, Diane Sawyer, and Anderson Cooper. Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser join Al Michaels, Bob Costas, and Robin Roberts as winners with ties to the sports world.
Last year, Kornheiser and Wilbon signed new contracts with ESPN that will continue their legendary PTI program into 2028, beyond the show’s 25th anniversary. While every sports debate show has borrowed from PTI, none has duplicated its success, longevity, and cultural relevance. And the fact that their television careers came after serving as two of the top sportswriters in the history of the Washington Post makes their contributions to journalism all the more impactful. It’s a well-deserved honor for two individuals with incredible careers in the industry.
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