Woodward and Bernstein to be honored at Poynter’s Bowtie Ball

Fifty years ago, two dogged reporters changed the course of history.

Now the legendary Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who spent years covering the Watergate case, will be honored with the Poynter Institute’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism.

Each year, Poynter’s Bowtie Ball celebrates journalistic excellence, the free press and democracy. It is also Poynter’s most significant fundraising event of the year. Hundreds of guests are expected to attend and watch the presentation of Poynter’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism on Nov. 12. Poynter owns the Tampa Bay Times.

The honor is bestowed to “an accomplished journalist whose career has made a significant impact on democracy and its institutions.” Past recipients include Lesley Stahl, Chris Wallace, Katie Couric, Lester Holt, Judy Woodruff, Tom Brokaw and Bob Schieffer.

Woodward and Bernstein won a Pulitzer Prize for their work covering the Watergate case.

“The work of Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward on that seismic story are the values and craft we preach and teach at the Poynter Institute,” said Poynter President Neil Brown. “The journalism around Watergate stands as a reminder that in a democracy, citizens have a right to know the actions of their leaders and that it takes independent reporting by journalists to shine that light. As we consider democracy and the stories of today, this basic right and the critical work of journalists are worth celebrating.’’

Woodward has worked at The Washington Post since 1971 and currently serves as an associate editor. He has written 21 books, all national nonfiction bestsellers. Bernstein is an on-air political analyst for CNN, a contributing editor of Vanity Fair magazine and the author of five bestselling books.

Bernstein will attend the event in person and discuss his investigative reporting during an on-stage interview. VIP guests will also have the chance to meet him during an early reception.

If you go

Poynter’s 2022 Bowtie Ball takes place Nov. 12 at Tampa Marriott Water Street, 505 Water St., Tampa, FL 33602. The event includes live music and cameo appearances. The VIP reception with Carl Bernstein takes place at 5:30 p.m., and the dinner and program run from 7 to 9:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $225. VIP tickets are $350. For more information, visit poynter.org.