With over 45 years of news reporting experience, Al Roker is being celebrated by the journalism community.
On February 15, the National Press Association honored the Today show host with the Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism at their annual dinner in Washington, D.C. The event brought together folks from across the media to highlight the best in the field, and Al celebrated his career milestone with someone special by his side.
As he posted Instagram photos alongside his wife, ABC journalist Deborah Roberts, Al expressed his gratitude for the prize. He also revealed that the moment was made even more significant as Deborah was the one to present the award to him onstage ahead of his speech.
"So honored to be presented the Broadcast Journalist Of The Year from the @national_press foundation," he wrote on February 16. "And to presented by the consummate #journalist @debrobertsabc made it even sweeter."
Given how the NBC weatherman has made a name for himself over the years, it was no surprise to see fans rush to social media to celebrate the big moment with him.
"Congratulations!! Well deserved!! 🙌🙌🙌," one person wrote on Instagram. "What a fantastic recognition for you Al👏👏👏👏👏. Congrats 👍👍👍🎉🎉," another replied. "Oh my! Al this is fantastic news and so apropos! CONGRATULATIONS!!❤️🔥🔥👏👏👏👏👏👏," a different follower added.
While the news of Al being lauded by the National Press Association is a major thing to note, it's not the first time he's been recognized for his work. Back in March 2022, Al accepted the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism at Arizona State University.
As for how the National Press Foundation feels about naming Al the Broadcast Journalist of the Year, they sung his praises for all he's done in journalism.
"As the world and industry has undergone huge transformation, Al’s steadfastness stands out," said judges for the National Press Foundation in an official statement. "He has built a community around the TODAY show that helps connect people from all over the world to 'your neck of the woods.'"
Congrats, Al!
