Hamrick reflects on journalistic values embodied by Broder, Lehrer

The late Washington Post reporter and columnist David Broder and PBS Newshour anchor Jim Lehrer embody journalistic principles that the National Press Club seeks to preserve and strengthen, Club President Mark Hamrick wrote in his latest blog post.

Hamrick wrote that the "value of good, accurate information" has never been higher, as the world lurches through crises in the Middle East and Japan. Hamrick's blog, From the President's Desk, can be found by clicking here.

"As the media landscape has become increasingly fractured, our National Press Club remains a constant," Hamrick wrote. "And as an institution, we stand strong in affirming press freedoms and core journalism values around the globe."

Hamrick said those values were reflected by the legendary Broder, whose memorial service was held last week at the Club in accordance with one of his last requests.

Lehrer, who will receive the Club's Fourth Estate Award in the fall, also demonstrates journalistic virtue, according to Hamrick.

"The values that both Broder and Lehrer have embodied are timeless and necessary for the health of our democracy and for the effective functioning of governments everywhere," Hamrick wrote.