Emmy award-winning journalist Jim Lehrer received the inaugural Gaylord Prize Monday afternoon during a luncheon at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in Oklahoma City.

In an age of Internet bloggers, 24-hour news networks and news parodies, Lehrer told journalism students to stay true to unbiased news and reporting.

“Don’t lose sight of our purpose: We the journalists are there to report the news in a professional way,” Lehrer said.

Lehrer is a world-renowned journalist and executive editor and anchor for PBS’ “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.” He also has moderated 11 presidential and vice presidential debates.

The prize, which includes $25,000 and a glass eagle trophy, is part of the Edward L. Gaylord family’s $22 million endowment to the university and the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication.

The prize was established to recognize professionals in the journalism field who have distinguished themselves and who model ethical journalism, said John Hockett, Gaylord College assistant dean.

“Jim Lehrer is truly an icon within the profession, and we are very fortunate to have him as our recipient,” Hockett said.

In his acceptance speech, Lehrer touched on journalists’ fears about a news revolution that has the news cycle becoming more fast-paced and traditional jobs disappearing. He said Internet pundits, comedians and talk show hosts would have nothing to talk about without news stories reported by the mainstream media.

“It has to start with one of us boring reporters — who did whatever it took to make it news in the first place,” Lehrer said.

The most important thing in reporting is to tell the news in an unbiased manner, he said.

“I never want anyone to confuse news with entertainment or confuse me with a clown,” Lehrer said. “I am not in the entertainment business.”

A committee consisting of students, faculty, alumni, President David L. Boren and members of the Gaylord family selected Lehrer as the inaugural recipient of the prize.

Boren called Lehrer a trusted journalist who is fair and said that the glass eagle awarded to him represents “the value of freedom in our society.” David Dary, former director of the school of journalism, said he has been dreaming about OU offering such a prize since 1992.

“I am delighted to see that it has become a reality,” Dary said. “It gives the institution the opportunity to literally select outstanding journalists and recognize them for their work.”

Dary said he felt Lehrer has done a good job upholding unbiased integrity during the recent elections. Lehrer served as a moderator during the Sept. 26 presidential debate between Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain.

“It’s good to select someone who has upheld journalistic standards,” Dary said.

Lehrer thanked the Gaylord College for the honor.

“Winning the Gaylord Prize means everything to me because of the specialness of it and how it relates to me,” Lehrer said. “In all humility, I have the best job, and I can’t imagine making my living any other way.”