ABC's Jonathan Karl and Martha Raddatz to be Recognized with Cronkite Awards for Excellence in Television Political Journalism

It was announced today that ABC News Chief White House Correspondent Jonathan Karl and Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz will be recognized with Walter Cronkite Awards for Excellence in Television Political Journalism. The biennial awards acknowledge exceptional reporting produced during the 2011-12 election cycle.

According to the Norman Lear Center at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Jonathan Karl will be recognized for his "refreshing and original" analysis of complex issues during the campaign season. His probing interviews of the presidential primary candidates were singled out by the judges as particularly effective, "getting candidates to relax, but never backing away from tough questions. He has a unique style of storytelling. He's likable, yet unrelenting in getting the facts," they said. He will be recognized in the "National Individual Achievement" category. Jon's complete bio here.

Martha Raddatz will receive a Special Commendation for Debate Moderation for conducting the debate between Vice President Joe Biden and Congressman Paul Ryan. According to the Norman Lear Center, the judges praised Martha for being "an active moderator who struck the right balance between facilitating and shaping the debate. She posed excellent questions, asked for specifics and did her best to keep the candidates on point." Martha's complete bio here.

The awards are administered by the Norman Lear Center at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism and will be given during a ceremony on April 19 at The National Press Club in Washington D.C.

The full release from the Norman Lear Center can be found here.