CNN’s Omar Jimenez to Be Honored at First Amendment Awards

The RTDNA Foundation is proud to announce that CNN's Omar Jimenez will be among the honorees at the 34th annual First Amendment Awards. 

The ceremony will take place on March 6 at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C. The event recognizes journalists and news organizations for their dedication to upholding the First Amendment and commitment to a free press.

The RTDNA Foundation selected Jimenez for this honor, stating: "Omar Jimenez has covered several of the most consequential news events of this generation, often putting him at odds with those in power. He doesn’t back down; he politely, but firmly, seeks and reports the truth and proudly articulates the right of a free and fair press. Omar is a shining example of brave and excellent journalism.”

Jimenez, an Emmy Award-winning CNN correspondent, is based in New York. He joined CNN in 2017 and has reported on numerous national and international stories, including the murder of George Floyd, the first major COVID-19 outbreak in the United States, and the sudden death of Kobe Bryant.

While covering protests in Minneapolis following George Floyd’s death, Jimenez and his team were detained live on air by Minnesota State Patrol. They were released after about an hour and resumed reporting. He later helped lead CNN’s coverage of the trial and conviction of the former officer charged in Floyd’s murder.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jimenez covered its medical and economic impacts, reporting from emergency rooms, jails, and hotspots across the United States.

Before his current role, Jimenez worked for CNN Newsource in Washington, D.C., covering breaking news for the network’s more than 900 affiliates. His reporting included the aftermath of the Notre Dame Cathedral fire in Paris, the Las Vegas mass shooting — the deadliest in modern American history — and the devastation from hurricanes in Florida and Texas during CNN’s Emmy-nominated 2017 coverage.

Jimenez began his career at WGEM-TV in Quincy, Illinois, as a multimedia journalist. He later joined WBAL-TV in Baltimore, Maryland, as a reporter and fill-in anchor, covering high-profile stories including the trials of officers charged in Freddie Gray’s death.

Jimenez holds a degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, where he also played varsity basketball.

Register Now for the 2025 First Amendment Awards

The RTDNA Foundation will be announcing all First Amendment Award honorees over the next couple weeks. The First Amendment Awards will be held March 6 at The Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C.