Jim Lehrer Wins Gaylord Prize At Luncheon---November 18, 2008---Parties Extra!

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THE GAYLORD PRIZE

Jim Lehrer spoke during an interview before his acceptance of the Gaylord Prize for Excellence in Journalism and Mass Communication. The Prize was awarded by the University of Oklahoma at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City, Monday, Nov. 17, 2008. (By Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman)

450 people including  University of Oklahoma students, journalism faculty members and local media professionals and guests were at the Inaugural Gaylord Prize Luncheon honoring Jim Lehrer, Executive Editor and Anchor of the “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.”

Lehrer is also a novelist and playwright, setting one of his books with locations at the Oklahoma State Capitol and the Skirvin Hotel.

He has been moderator for the Presidential and Vice Presidential debates for the past six elections.

Both a morning reception and the luncheon  were at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel. In Lehrer’s remarks he noted that “journalism is still about the story.”

“In the beginning, there is always a news story,” he added. He discussed the fact that it takes the news reporter to bring news to the attention of the blogger, the talk show host, the video people and the comedians.

“The spirit of journalism lives deep in you people,” he told the crowd. “I am proud to be a Gaylord Prize winner.”

Luncheon hosts were  University of Oklahoma President David L. Boren, OU Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication Dean Joe Foote and the GCJMC Board of Visitors.  Board of Visitors chairman Pattye Moore welcomed the guests.