Personal Award: Bob Simon for International Reporting for CBS News

In an age when neophytes with cell phones, websites and mini-cams claim to be “journalists” and when the debate on critical global issues often takes on a shrill tone amplified by thousands of extremist voices, Bob Simon’s reports for 60 Minutes II and 60 Minutes ring with reason, truth and informed insight. A previous recipient of the Peabody Award as part of CBS News’ coverage of the assassination of Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995, Mr. Simon spanned a diverse set of global issues and events in his 1999 reports. These reports ranged from the ongoing tragedy in Yugoslavia (Shame of Srebenica) to Iran—where some leaders expressed regret about their role in seizing American hostages two decades ago (Sorry About That)—and to England and Australia, where shameful policies designed to preserve the “white race,” separated mothers from their children for fifty years or more (Lost Children). Bob Simon’s work has appeared on nearly every CBS News broadcast. Named CBS News’ chief Middle Eastern correspondent in 1987, Mr. Simons resume reads like a world history book. He has chronicled dozens of the most important events of the past 30 years, including the devastating Kobe, Japan, earthquake, the birth of the Solidarity movement in Poland and the horrific famine in Biafra. Simon was with Israeli troops during the Yom Kippur war, with PLO fighters during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon and in Gaza the day the “intifada” began. The personification of the fearless international reporter, Mr. Simon was captured by Iraqi forces during the opening days of the Gulf War in 1991 and was imprisoned for 40 days. In recognition of a distinguished career in international reporting and in anticipation of many more years of courageous and important global journalism, a Peabody Award is presented to Bob Simon, CBS News.