Ciprián-Matthews honors journalists in war zones during acceptance speech

Ingrid Ciprián-Matthews, president of CBS News, paid tribute to journalists who have been killed and those still in harm’s way during her First Amendment Award acceptance speech last month in Washington, D.C.

“The importance of the First Amendment is never clearer than when reporting on conflicts or authoritarian regimes, whether it was Central America in the 80s or Russia today,” Ciprián-Matthews said at the 33rd annual Awards, held at the Watergate Hotel. “Reporting these stories reminds us to never take for granted our right to report, to witness and question our government in ways others simply cannot.”

In her role, Ciprián-Matthews has top editorial oversight for CBS News across all platforms, including all broadcast and streaming programs, all digital and radio editorial content, as well as global newsgathering, standards and practices, race and culture and more.

The RTDNA Foundation selected Ciprián-Matthews as a First Amendment Award honoree for her commitment to excellent and ethical journalism, especially at a time when the stakes are so high. Her leadership during some of the most challenging news stories in American history is a testament to the power of journalism.

“To reveal dissent, to hold officials to account, to report without fear or favor, without regard to party or any other affiliation – that is the privilege of being a journalist in the United States of America,” she said. “And while our industry is transforming right before our eyes … the fundamentals of independent journalism haven't changed and just cannot change.”

Watch her full speech below.

(Photo: BP Miller / Chorus Photography)