CBS EVENING NEWS Anchor and Managing Editor Norah O’Donnell and CBS News have earned a duPont-Columbia University Journalism Award, considered the highest honor in electronic journalism, for extensive and exclusive investigative reporting into sexual assault in the U.S. military. The multi-year investigation by O’Donnell and the CBS News investigative unit included interviews with nearly two dozen sexual assault survivors, whistleblowers, and families of victims who later died by suicide. The series of reports revealed that the military’s sexual assault crisis is worse than ever, despite the Pentagon’s pledge of zero tolerance 10 years ago.

In granting the honor to CBS News and O’Donnell, duPont-Columbia Awards presenter Judy Woodruff said, “The reporting not only uncovered systemic failures but also helped bring about actual change.”

In her acceptance speech, O’Donnell said, “America is the greatest nation on Earth with the finest fighting force – the men and women serve with great personal sacrifice. And it’s time to honor their commitment. Those who volunteer to protect this country deserve to be protected themselves.”

O’Donnell has reported on this critical issue since 2017, when she was awarded an Emmy for an investigation on sexual assault at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Her commitment to the topic continues today with her exclusive investigation into domestic violence in the military. The prestigious duPont-Columbia University Journalism Awards, considered the Pulitzer Prize of broadcast journalism, were announced Tuesday, Feb. 8, by the Columbia School of Journalism. CBS News was the only broadcast television network honored with a duPont.

The exclusive CBS News investigation aired on the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH NORAH O’DONNELL and across CBS News broadcasts and platforms, including on the Network’s morning news broadcast and streaming service.

This award recognizes the extraordinary commitment by CBS News journalists, producers, editors, show teams and more, who have been dedicated to this story over the past several years.

Watch part one, part two, part three, part four and the documentary version of the CBS News duPont-Columbia Award-winning investigation.

The investigation was led by Norah O’Donnell and produced by Jay Shaylor, Len Tepper, Adam Verdugo, Kristin Steve, Megan Towey, Peter Burgess, Julie Morse, Jenna Gibson, Margaret Hynds and Olivia Rinaldi. Chris Albert, Sean Healey and Don Lee were the photographers. The investigation was edited by Greg Hotsenpiller.

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Press Contact:

Brooke Lorenz

LorenzB@cbsnews.com