Hoyer Honors Dave McConnell at Radio and Television Congressional Correspondents Dinner
WASHINGTON, DC – This evening, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) introduced Dave McConnell of WTOP Radio at the 69th Radio and Television Congressional Correspondents Dinner, where McConnell was awarded the Career Achievement Award by the Radio and Television Correspondents' Association. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:
"It is my great privilege this evening to present the inaugural Career Achievement Award to a journalist who has set the standard of how to cover Capitol Hill for over three decades.
"That journalist is Dave McConnell of WTOP radio. I've known Dave McConnell for a very long time – since even before I came to Congress, when I was serving in the Maryland Senate.
"Dave started his career at WTTG Channel Five and WMAL before joining WTOP in 1965.
"For all the time he has covered the Hill, Dave has been a voice of reason, of moderation, and of fairness set against the backdrop of partisan hyperbole and the political intrigues that often distract from the issues Americans care about. His has always been the way of careful investigation, clear-headed interpretation, and honest reporting.
"Dave does not simply convey the headlines; he puts the news in context for everyone to understand. For over thirty years, he has been the interpreter of the arcane legislative process for families and business owners throughout the metro DC area.
"In fact, he holds the distinction of being the only full-time Congressional correspondent for a local news organization.
"When you listen to him explain what's happening in Congress, Dave makes national news feel like local news, no matter where in America you live.
"He has also contributed to the community of journalists covering the Hill by serving as Chair of the Radio and Television Correspondents Association…
"Ladies and gentleman, please join me in welcoming the recipient of the first Career Achievement Award, Dave McConnell of WTOP."