David Muir Honored at Temple University with Lew Klein Excellence in the Media Award

On Wednesday, October 22, Temple University welcomed one of the most trusted figures in American journalism, David Muir, to its campus for a Student Conversation event at the Temple Performing Arts Center. During the event, Muir, anchor and managing editor of ABC’s World News Tonight, shared insights from his impressive career and was honored with the prestigious Lew Klein Excellence in the Media Award. This award, given annually to a media leader whose work exemplifies the highest standards of integrity and impact, is named after Lew Klein, a broadcasting pioneer who mentored generations of students and helped shape the television industry.

A Legacy of Trust and Impact in Journalism

David Muir’s accomplishments in the world of broadcast journalism are unparalleled. As the anchor of World News Tonight, Muir’s nightly broadcasts draw over 2 million viewers, making him one of the most-watched and trusted journalists in the United States. His career is decorated with numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards and Edward R. Murrow Awards. In his opening remarks at the Student Conversation, Temple’s interim Provost, David Boardman, praised Muir as “the most watched, and by many measures, the most trusted journalist in America.” Boardman also noted that Muir’s reporting has shaped national and global narratives, from covering war zones in Gaza and Ukraine to conducting high-profile interviews with world leaders such as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and former President Donald Trump.

Muir’s achievements make him the 20th recipient of the Lew Klein Excellence in the Media Award. Past honorees include prominent figures such as producer and actress Quinta Brunson, sports legend Charles Barkley, comedian Tina Fey, and CNN anchor Jake Tapper. The award recognizes Muir’s dedication to honest, impactful journalism, as well as his ability to navigate the complexities of today’s media landscape.

From Student to Broadcast Legend

Before reaching the pinnacle of broadcast journalism, Muir was a student at Ithaca College, where he pursued a degree in journalism. His career path then took him to various broadcast stations in the Northeast, where he worked his way up the ranks. In 2014, Muir succeeded Diane Sawyer as the anchor of World News Tonight, a role that catapulted him to national prominence. His tenure at ABC News has been marked by a series of high-profile assignments and international reporting, cementing his place as one of the most respected journalists in the industry.

A Conversation About Journalism and Challenges Facing the Industry

During his visit to Temple, Muir shared stories and advice from his journey with an audience of students, faculty, and staff. The event, moderated by David Boardman and David Brown, assistant dean for community and communications at Temple’s Klein College of Media and Communication, was attended by more than 400 people. Muir spoke candidly about the challenges facing journalism today, including the political divide, the role of algorithms in polarizing opinions, and the growing issue of an attention-deficit culture.

“A challenge for all of you young minds in the room is to bring people back to a place where they’re comfortable hearing from people who have all different viewpoints,” Muir said. His words resonated with students who are preparing to enter the journalism field, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their pursuit of truth, even in a media landscape often dominated by division and noise.

Muir expressed optimism despite the challenges, emphasizing the ongoing need for trustworthy journalism. “I think a silver lining in this moment, with all this noise and distraction, is that Americans are seeking out a calm, steady place where they trust the reporters and they’re willing to watch a nine-minute piece right off the top of the broadcast,” he remarked. “I think that’s really encouraging for what you’re all about to set out and do.”

The Impact of Muir’s Words on Students

The students in attendance were inspired by Muir’s insights into the media industry, with many sharing how his words reaffirmed their passion for journalism. Ashley Lovelace, a master’s degree student in journalism at Temple, noted how Muir’s consistency both on and off-camera made him a role model. “I am the product of a mother who loves David Muir,” Lovelace said. “Sometimes you find people who change from camera to in-person, but David is very consistent. It was just a joy to talk to him, and to see the realness of his answers and how authentic he is.”

Alana Beltran, a journalism major from the Class of 2026, also reflected on the experience. “Hearing him speak gave me a clear vision that this is what I want to do in life, especially since he is so successful and beloved in his field,” Beltran said. “I align with a lot of the things he was saying, and it really resonated with me.”

A Night to Remember

Muir’s visit to Temple was not just an opportunity to celebrate his professional achievements but also an occasion for students to gain invaluable advice from a leading figure in journalism. The Lew Klein Excellence in the Media Award recognizes Muir’s contributions to the industry, but it also highlights the future of journalism—one that remains committed to integrity, truth, and a steady voice amidst the chaos.

As Muir continues to guide World News Tonight through the ever-evolving media landscape, his visit to Temple served as both an acknowledgment of his past success and an encouragement for future journalists to remain focused on the pursuit of truth in a rapidly changing world.