Journalism icon David Broder dies; received Fourth Estate Award in 1988

Pulitizer-prize-winning journalist and National Press Club member David Broder died on March 9 at 81 from diabetes complications.

For more than 40 years, Broder was a reporter and columnist for the Washington Post, winning journalism’s top award in 1973 for his coverage of the Watergate scandal. Renowned in the capital and beyond the Beltway for his incisive analyses, he defined the rubric for political reporting and commentary.

“He covered every presidential convention since 1956 and was widely regarded as the political journalist with the best-informed contacts, from the lowliest precinct to the highest rungs of government,” the Washington Post said in a story about Broder’s life.

In 1988, Broder won the National Press Club’s Fourth Estate Award, which is bestowed on individuals who achieve distinction for a lifetime of contributions to American journalism.

“David Broder’s work set a high standard in many ways,” said Club President Mark Hamrick. “And he will be missed. While he is being remembered as the ‘dean of the Washington press corps’ that ultimately is too limiting, because such excellence is not confined by geography or time. To readers, politicians and fellow journalists alike, he demonstrated the necessity of highly-skilled political reporting within a robust democracy.”

Club members shared their memories of Broder in Facebook posts on Wednesday. Among the comments:

Former NPC board member Maureen Groppe: He was my college graduation speaker. Because of that, I bought his latest book and it helped convince me that I wanted to try journalism.

Former NPC President Rick Dunham: David Broder was the hardest-working reporter I've ever known. In 1984, when I was covering the New Hampshire primary, I saw him with Fritz Hollings, Rubin Askew, John Glenn, Jesse Jackson -- he was everywhere I was and more. He also taught me the first rule of political reporting: When you see a bathroom use it, because you never know when you'll see one again.

NPC member Dena Bunis: "In a town where so many journalists think so much of themselves, Broder was a true mensch. He was gracious and helping to novices and was one hell of a political writer."

NPC member Betsy Fischer: "Journalism lost a giant today. David Broder was on Meet the Press 401 times during his career -- by far, the record-holder -- and he was a true gentleman and first class journalist every single time."

NPC member Jeff Eller: "David S. Broder: The best political reporter of his time."

NPC member Doug Turner: "David was the last columnist of national prominence who was not ideological. That is, he was neither left or right, but took each issue, and each candidate, on the merits. A brilliant, courageous, courteous man."

-- Mark Schoeff Jr., [email protected]