JOHN WALCOTT
Award-Winning Journalist, Speaker, Author, Editor, and Educator
SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER FOR OVER 40 YEARS
Decades of experience teaching and covering media, foreign affairs, national security, technology, international business and economics, intelligence, and politics in the U.S. and more than 80 other countries have given John Walcott a rare perspective on how and why the world is changing.
Awards and Accolades
I.F. Stone Medal for Journalistic Independence, Harvard University 2008
Bicentennial Medal, Williams College, 2018
Vicennial Medal, Georgetown University, 2018
Defender of Liberty Medal, Committee for the Republic, 2021
Edward Weintal Prize for Diplomatic Reporting, Georgetown University, 1986
Edwin M. Hood Award for Diplomatic Correspondence, National Press Club, 1984
Freedom of the Press Award, National Press Club, 1983
Four Overseas Press Club awards, 1983-2006
National Headliner Award, Press Club of Atlantic City, 2008
50 Best and Most Influential Journalists in Washington, Washingtonian magazine
James K. Batten Award for Editorial Excellence
Best Mentor Inside and Outside the Classroom, Georgetown University Master of Science in Foreign Service Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program, 2022
WORDS OF PRAISE
John Walcott has been fearless and relentless on the search for truth in reporting. His students at Georgetown revere him and because of his example and encouragement often follow lives of service. Pay attention to his wisdom.
Richard Armitage
​Former United States Deputy Secretary of State
John's vast experience in journalism and his dedication to its importance in our democracy have set an example for all of those who have worked with him and benefited from NPF programs.
Kathy Gest
Board Member,
National Press Foundation
John Walcott is a role model for media professionals- as well as all professionals- for his tremendous skills that are grounded in honesty and integrity. His unique ability to analyze and explain difficult issues is most impressive.
Senator Chuck Hagel
Former United States Secretary of Defense
If John could be summed up in one episode, it would be his integrity as Knight-Ridder Bureau Chief. He and his team avoided the Washington herd of both journalists and senior officials in the run up to the invasion of Iraq, instead reaching out to often-overlooked sources closer to the intelligence. It was the search for truth, not a quick story. It was typical of John.
Gregory Treverton
Chair,
Global TechnoPolitics Forum
As much of the American press rushed to support the 2003 invasion of Iraq, John Walcott, based on great sources, reported it was mistake, a view history has validated. Having worked with John at the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg News, he is a fabulous reporter and editor with special insights and expertise on national security.