George Stephanopoulos won an award for journalism? The former Democratic operative turned host of a show known for playing cat videos hyped his win for "excellence in broadcast journalism." Good Morning America's Amy Robach on Thursday touted, "We can't help but give a big congratulations to one of our own. George took home the top award at last night's National Press Foundation Dinner."
She gushed, "He was recognized for his extraordinary energy and insight. I would like add to that intellect and wit." Stephanopoulos basked in the accolades of his co-hosts: "Wow. Thank you, guys. National Press Foundation, they do great work training journalists all over the world." Showcasing that training, the former top aide to Bill Clinton shifted to the latest on "pop news."
The website for the National Press Foundation explained the award:
George Stephanopoulos of ABC News is the 2014 winner of the Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism. Stephanopoulos is the anchor of ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week." He is also the network's chief political correspondent, reporting on political and policy stories for all ABC News broadcasts and platforms. The Taishoff award is named after Sol Taishoff, the founder and publisher of what is now Broadcasting & Cable magazine.
“George Stephanopoulos has demonstrated extraordinary energy and insight for many years in covering news, politics and current affairs, including his recent exclusive interview with the policeman at the heart of the events in Ferguson, Missouri,” said Sandy K. Johnson, president and COO of the National Press Foundation.
Some examples from Thursday of journalism on George Stephanopoulos's GMA: Over 11 minutes on the upcoming Academy Awards. Almost four minutes to testing what kinds of makeup work best. Three and a half minutes on where to get the purses and cupcakes that the stars eat. Five minutes on the latest bridal trends.
However, award-winning journalist Stephanopoulos ignored the Washington Post revelation that the Clinton Foundation has raised "close to $2 billion from a vast global network that includes corporate titans, political donors, foreign governments and other wealthy interests.”
Apparently, there wasn't time in the program for that.
A transcript of the February 19 GMA segment is below:
8:04
AMY ROBACH: And finally, we can't help but give a big congratulations to one of our own. George took home the top award at last night's National Press Foundation Dinner. He was recognized for his "extraordinary energy and insight." I would like add to that intellect and wit.
GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: Wow. Thank you, guys. [ Applause] That is some picture too.
LARA SPENCER [Sarcastically] It captures the moment in a way I can't really describe.
STEPHANOPOULOS: It did capture the moment. You just did. National Press Foundation, they do great work training journalists all over the world.
SPENCER: Congratulations!
STEPHANOPOULOS: Thank you very much. Pop news and weather coming up. Now, Michael's over in the social square.
