WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Library of American Broadcasting Foundation (LABF) and the NAB have revealed that a notable correspondent for “CBS Sunday Morning,” who has also attracted audiences on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” is the recipient of the 2026 LABF Insight Award.
The Insight Award, which debuted five years ago, recognizes an individual or organization for an outstanding artistic or journalistic work or body of work that enhances the public’s understanding of the role, impact and evolution of media.
Bestowed by LABF and presented at NAB Show, the award honors storytelling that reflects craft, curiosity and lasting cultural significance. Past winners include radio legend Delilah, Soledad O’Brien, “60 Minutes” and LeVar Burton.
Rocca has built a distinguished career in broadcast journalism by bringing intelligence and humanity to stories that span politics, culture and history. As a correspondent for “CBS Sunday Morning” since 2011, he has reported on subjects ranging from gerrymandering to the Vatican, where he interviewed Pope Francis, while also profiling Hollywood legends and creating historical portraits of American presidents, often with a fondness for the overlooked.
The LABF and NAB jointly praised Rocca’s impact on broadcast storytelling and media. In a joint statement, LABF co-chairs Deborah Parenti (President/Publisher of Radio + Television Business Report and Radio Ink) and Dave “Chachi” Denes (who heads Benztown), said, “Mo Rocca exemplifies the essence of broadcasting at its best — thoughtful, engaging and rooted in a genuine desire to inform and inspire. Through his work across television, radio and digital platforms, Mo brings history and culture to life with intelligence, curiosity and heart. We are proud to honor him with the 2026 LABF Insight Award.”
NAB EVP/Industry Affairs and Innovation and LABF Board Member April Carty-Sipp added, “Mo Rocca has built a career defined by clarity, rigor and an uncommon respect for his audience. In an era crowded with voices, his work shows how broadcast journalism can still set the standard for credibility and thoughtful storytelling.”
For NAB EVP/Global Connections and Events Karen Chupka, “Mo Rocca’s career reflects the enduring role of broadcast storytelling within that evolution, connecting audiences and creators across platforms through stories that resonate.”
Beyond television, Rocca is the creator and host of the podcast “Mobituaries” and co-author of “Mobituaries: Great Lives Worth Reliving” and “Roctogenarians: Late in Life Debuts, Comebacks, and Triumphs.”
In addition to his reporting, Rocca is a frequent panelist on NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” and has created and hosted programs exploring innovation, food and culture.
Earlier in his career, Rocca was a correspondent on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and began his television work as a writer and producer for children’s programming, including the Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning series “Wishbone.” In 2011, he won an Emmy as a writer for the 64th Annual Tony Awards.
Mo Rocca will be formally honored at the 2026 NAB Show on April 21 in Las Vegas as part of the Annual “We Are Broadcasters” event on the Main Stage.
