Student journalist Santiago Campos, a senior from Washington, D.C.’s District of Columbia International School, wowed the News Emmys crowd on Wednesday night by taking on CBS News as he accepted this year’s Mike Wallace Memorial Scholarship — named after the legendary CBS journo.
As former CBS Evening News anchor Scott Pelley — who presented the award — looked on, Campos said while he wanted to thank CBS News “for funding this generous gift towards my education, I want to also acknowledge how the recent direction of the outlet stains the legacy of Mike Wallace, the namesake of this scholarship.”
He continued: “As corporate elites take hold over the very pipes through which our information flows, journalism that serves people becomes increasingly harder to come by, yet ever more crucial, and what the people want is the truth. So, if at any time you hesitate to utter the word genocide or remain silent in the face of blatant lies. Remember to ask yourself, Who is this for? I hope you choose us.”
Pelley, who has been critical of CBS editor-in-chief Bari Weiss as she makes sweeping changes at the network, applauded Campos’ speech.
“We look forward to seeing your work in the future,” Pelley said. “God, we need young people like you right behind us. I know that Mike Wallace is looking down at you with pride at this very moment.”
