CNN’s John King to Receive Stephen Hamblett First Amendment Award

Boston Native a Defender of Free, Accountable Press

The New England First Amendment Coalition will honor journalist and Boston native John King with its 2025 Stephen Hamblett First Amendment Award.

Named after the late publisher of The Providence Journal, the Hamblett Award is given each year to an individual who has promoted, defended or advocated for the First Amendment throughout his or her career.

King, CNN anchor and Chief National Correspondent, is perhaps best known for his Election Night use of the network’s iconic “Magic Wall.” Beyond his reporting, he’s also a vocal advocate for press freedom and the importance of transparency and accountability in journalism.

“King is widely respected by those on both sides of the political aisle for his data journalism and political coverage,” NEFAC President Gregory V. Sullivan said. “But it’s his insistence on a free press and his advocacy for the public’s right to know that makes him worthy of this year’s Hamblett Award.”

King frequently discusses the role journalism plays in a democracy and is candid about where newsrooms and media personalities can improve. In 2020, for example, King joined NEFAC for a discussion on that year’s presidential election and the polarization seen in the country.

“The silos exist everywhere,” King said. “In the end you don’t have to agree, but if you can come to respect the other person and where they are coming from, I think that’s the first step. The media is part of this cycle of polarization and mistrust, I’d like to do my part in being part of an actual conversation.”

King visited his alma mater The University of Rhode Island the following year and spoke about irresponsible media practices. He emphasized the importance of the First Amendment, even if some abuse the rights the constitution provides.

“The First Amendment belongs to us all,” he said. “There are people who will use their First Amendment rights to do things that we find abhorrent. We have to remember for me to have the First Amendment rights … so does everybody else.”

King joined CNN in May 1997 after 12 years at The Associated Press, the last six as its chief political correspondent. He has reported from all 50 states and more than 70 countries. His AP tenure included stints in Providence, R.I., and Boston. Raised in the Boston neighborhood of Dorchester, King earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from The University of Rhode Island.

NEFAC will honor King at a private ceremony next month. The coalition will also present its Michael Donoghue Freedom of Information Award and Antonia Orfield Citizenship Award during the program.

Supporters of NEFAC and the 15th annual New England First Amendment Awards include Boston University, The Boston Globe, Hearst Connecticut Media Group, Emerson College, Northeastern University, Morgan Lewis, The Day, and The University of Rhode Island.

Previous recipients of the Stephen Hamblett First Amendment Award:

---

NEFAC was formed in 2006 to advance and protect the Five Freedoms of the First Amendment, including the principle of the public’s right to know. We’re a broad-based organization of people who believe in the power of an informed democratic society. Our members include lawyers, journalists, historians, academics and private citizens.

Our coalition is funded through contributions made by those who value the First Amendment and who strive to keep government accountable. Please make a donation here.

NEFAC appreciates the support of all its donors and contributors. In particular, we would like to recognize the Estate of Gloria L. Negri, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the following Leadership Circle donors: Rhode Island Foundation, The Boston Globe, Paul and Ann Sagan, and the Robertson Foundation. Major Supporters of NEFAC’s work include Hearst Connecticut Media Group, Boston University, the Academy of New England Journalists and WCVB-Boston.