Robert Costa of CBS News will receive the National Press Club’s Highest Honor.
WASHINGTON, DC, August 24, 2025 — Robert Costa, a national correspondent for “CBS Sunday Morning” and the chief Washington analyst for CBS News, will receive the National Press Club’s Fourth Estate Award at a gala held in his honor in Washington, D.C. This award acknowledges journalists who have made significant contributions to the field and is considered the most prestigious prize awarded by the Club.
Costa contributes to “Sunday Morning” by covering national politics, conducting in-depth interviews with newsmakers, and featuring stories on culture, literature, and the arts. As the chief Washington analyst for CBS News, Costa provides reporting and analysis across various CBS News programs.
“The Fourth Estate Award is the highest honor in journalism given by the National Press Club, recognizing individuals whose work has transformed the public’s understanding of power and democracy. Robert Costa exemplifies this achievement,” stated Mike Balsamo, President of the National Press Club. “Through courageous reporting, exceptional sourcing, and insightful analysis, he has established himself as one of the leading political journalists of his generation.”
In February 2025, Costa was named a national correspondent for “Sunday Morning” after contributing to the broadcast for three years. Notably, he conducted an exclusive interview in the White House residence with President Joe Biden in August 2024, which was Biden’s first interview following his announcement not to seek reelection. Additionally, Costa and his colleagues at “Sunday Morning” won an Emmy Award in 2023 for Outstanding Recorded News Program. The show has maintained its status as the No. 1 Sunday morning program in terms of viewership for 22 consecutive seasons.
“The National Press Club is a vital and esteemed institution within our nation’s civic framework,” Costa stated. “I am genuinely grateful for the Club’s recognition of journalism that has embraced collaboration at every step, from my work in print to my current projects at CBS News and ‘Sunday Morning.’ I accept this award with deep appreciation for my colleagues at various news organizations, both past and present, who have supported me as a reporter and imparted invaluable lessons throughout my career.”
The Fourth Estate is the highest honor awarded to a journalist by the National Press Club Board of Governors. Notable previous winners include Christiane Amanpour, Dean Baquet, Marty Baron, Wolf Blitzer, Tom Brokaw, Walter Cronkite, Lester Holt, Gwen Ifill, Andrea Mitchell, Clarissa Ward, Kristen Welker, and Susan Zirinsky.
Costa previously held the position of chief election and campaign correspondent for CBS News, where he focused on reporting about both Republican and Democratic campaigns. He produced numerous scoops and exclusives during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles. Additionally, he has frequently served as a guest anchor on CBS Television Network programs, including “CBS Evening News,” “CBS Weekend News,” and “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.”
“His reporting has informed millions, shaped national conversations during crucial moments, and established a benchmark for rigorous, fact-based independent journalism,” Balsamo stated. “By honoring Robert, we acknowledge not only his remarkable contributions but also the essential role that journalism plays in strengthening our democracy.”
Established in 1908, the National Press Club stands as the premier professional organization for journalists across the globe. With 3,000 members representing nearly every significant journalism organization, the Club embodies the unwavering commitment to press freedom in the United States and worldwide.
Source: National Press Club, Washington, D.C.
— The CitiTimes Editor is a member of the National Press Club.
- Watch Robert Costa analyze the incoming Trump administration, including its potential priorities, appointments, and policies.
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