Anthony Zurcher, a veteran correspondent for the BBC, has been awarded the inaugural Center for Integrity in News Reporting Award for his exceptional White House coverage. The honor was presented at the 2025 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner held in Washington, D.C., recognizing his insightful reporting on President Joe Biden’s diplomatic and political handling of the Gaza war.
The Center for Integrity in News Reporting celebrates journalists who demonstrate impartiality, objectivity, and fairness—core principles that Zurcher’s reporting consistently reflects. The judging panel praised his coverage as a model of responsible journalism during a time of extreme polarization.
“Careful, clear, direct language is the hallmark of the BBC’s reporting,” the judges stated. “Zurcher’s work brings clarity to complicated issues without bias, providing balanced updates to a divided audience.”
They added that his reporting on the Israel-Gaza conflict avoided sensationalism, instead focusing on rigorous analysis, reliable sourcing, and fact-based narratives. His coverage stands out for presenting complex geopolitical dynamics in an accessible way, while remaining committed to neutrality.
Zurcher’s decades-long career spans U.S. elections, legislative coverage, and presidential administrations. He is the author of “U.S. Politics Unspun”, a widely-read BBC newsletter breaking down major political developments in Washington, and co-hosts the award-winning podcast “Americas”, where he provides weekly commentary alongside other BBC journalists.
In his award-winning series, Zurcher delved into the tough choices President Biden faced amid mounting pressure from both international allies and domestic critics. His articles explored how Biden tried to balance America’s strategic alliance with Israel while addressing growing concern from pro-Palestinian voices at home.
His featured stories include:
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Tough choices for Israel in US’s Middle East vision
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Biden treading carefully through political minefield
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Pro-Palestinian protests heap pressure on Biden from left and right
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Problems that plagued Carter have also troubled Biden
This award not only recognizes Zurcher’s commitment to journalistic excellence but also highlights the vital role of the press in holding governments accountable and informing the public through balanced storytelling, particularly in volatile international crises.
With over 30 years of experience covering American politics, Zurcher has earned a reputation for insightful, balanced commentary. His newsletter, “U.S. Politics Unspun,” offers nuanced weekly updates on major developments from Washington and their implications for the world. Through the BBC’s podcast Americast, which he co-hosts, Zurcher also brings international audiences a deeper understanding of the often chaotic American political landscape.
His award-winning stories, including “Tough choices for Israel in US’s Middle East vision” and “Pro-Palestinian protests heap pressure on Biden from left and right,” demonstrate the BBC’s hallmark approach: informative without being inflammatory.
In a time when journalism is often scrutinized for bias, Anthony Zurcher stands out as a voice of reason. His award represents not just personal achievement, but a call for media integrity, accountability, and thoughtful reporting in turbulent times.
Washington, D.C., where journalists, politicians, and media professionals gathered to honor excellence in political reporting.
Anthony Zurcher, senior correspondent for the BBC, has been awarded the inaugural Center for Integrity in News Reporting Award in recognition of his exemplary coverage of the White House and U.S. politics. The prestigious award was presented at the 2025 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner in
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