Robert Costa to Receive National Press Club's Prestigious Fourth Estate Award
In a momentous celebration planned for December 9, 2025, Robert Costa, the national correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning and chief Washington analyst for CBS News, will be honored with the esteemed Fourth Estate Award by the National Press Club. This accolade is reserved for those journalists whose work has left a significant imprint on the field of journalism, effectively changing the public's understanding of power and democracy.
Robert's career has been characterized by his in-depth coverage of U.S. politics, where he has made his mark through rigorous reporting and keen analysis. Speaking about the upcoming gala, National Press Club president Mike Balsamo expressed high regard for Costa's contributions, stating, "Robert Costa has done exactly that," referring to the transformative influence of his journalism.
Since being named a national correspondent for CBS Sunday Morning in February 2025, after three fruitful years of contributing to the program, Costa has established himself as a significant voice in political journalism. His tenure has included notable moments, such as an exclusive interview with President Joe Biden in August 2024. This sit-down marked a pivotal point in Biden's presidency as it was his first interview after declaring he would not run for reelection.
Costa's talents were further recognized when CBS Sunday Morning was awarded an Emmy in 2023 for Outstanding Recorded News Program, solidifying its status as the most-watched Sunday morning news program for over two decades. Costa himself commented on the significance of the Fourth Estate Award, acknowledging the vital role of journalism in society and expressing gratitude to his colleagues over the years who have supported him in his career.
Throughout his career, Costa has shaped critical discussions on national policies, ranging from the Constitution and the federal workforce to U.S. foreign relations. He has conducted interviews with a plethora of influential figures, including Senator Bernie Sanders and former Trump White House adviser Donald McGahn.
Prior to his illustrious role at CBS, Costa was the chief election and campaign correspondent, drawing upon his dual coverage of both Republican and Democratic candidates during significant electoral campaigns. His insightful contributions have informed millions, providing critical context during vital moments in the political landscape.
The National Press Club, founded in 1908, represents the voice of journalists around the world and has awarded past Fourth Estate honors to iconic figures such as Tom Brokaw and Christiane Amanpour. This year’s gala not only aims to celebrate Costa but will also honor the recipients of the John Aubuchon Press Freedom Awards and the Neil and Susan Sheehan Award for Investigative Journalism.
Tickets for the gala are available at $200 for Club members and $350 for the general public, with proceeds benefitting the National Press Club Journalism Institute, which works to ensure journalists are equipped with essential skills to adequately inform the public. As Costa prepares to accept this prestigious award, he reinforces the concept that powerful journalism is imperative in promoting a healthy democracy and engaging citizenry.
As Costa continues to break ground within political journalism, his acceptance of the Fourth Estate Award will serve not only as recognition of his past achievements but as an encouragement for future journalists to strive for excellence and truth in their reporting. The gala’s events also highlight the importance of collaboration in journalism, echoing Costa's sentiment that impactful journalism is often a collective effort involving various contributors across the industry.