Ifill receives Fred Friendly First Amendment Award

Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn., presented its 17th annual Fred Friendly First Amendment Award to Gwen Ifill of PBS’s Washington Week, during a luncheon today (June 14) at the Metropolitan Club in New York City. The award, named for the former CBS News president, acknowledges those who have shown courage in preserving the Constitutional right. “Gwen is a top writer, great reporter and fine communicator,” said Ruth Friendly, Friendly’s widow, who presented the award. “She is gutsy, determined and dedicated to her craft. . . . I can’t help but to feel the presence of Fred today. He would be nodding hearty approval, too.” Former winners include Tom Brokaw, Morley Safer, Lesley Stahl, Ted Koppel, Jim Lehrer and Tim Russert.