Lack’s career has been extensively recognized across journalism, broadcasting and entertainment. In his documentary and early news roles he earned 16 Emmy Awards and 4 Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Awards, among other honors. His documentary credits include “The Boat People,” “The Defense of the United States” and “Inside Afghanistan,” each of which left a mark on broadcast journalism standards.

Additional recognitions include Peabody Awards, Ohio State Awards, a George Polk Award and Clarion Awards. These accolades reflect not just success in ratings or business metrics, but a career built on storytelling integrity, institutional transformation and a commitment to public service.  For four consecutive years, Lack was named the “Most Powerful Person in Television News” by Electronic Media, a leading industry trade publication.

Andrew Lack’s recognition for a career spanning four decades in media and journalism:

Notable Documentary Projects

“Inside Afghanistan” (1988)

Comprehensive analysis of Soviet occupation and its implications

“Bittersweet Memories: A Vietnam Reunion” (1981)

Powerful retrospective on Vietnam War veterans

“People Like Us” (1982)

Contributing to CBS Reports’ acclaimed documentary series

Emmy Awards

16 Emmy Awards for excellence in television production and journalism

News and Documentary Nominee

“Breaking the Deadlock” (2026)

  • Category: Outstanding News Discussion & Analysis
  • Network: PBS
  • Subject: Truth Under Fire
  • Role: Senior Executive Producer

Selected Emmy-Winning Productions

“The Boat People” (1980)

  • Category: Outstanding Program Achievement
  • Network: CBS Reports
  • Subject: Vietnamese refugees fleeing post-war persecution
  • Role: Producer

“The Defense of the United States” (1981)

  • Collaboration: With Bob Schieffer
  • Network: CBS Reports
  • Host: Walter Cronkite
  • Format: Five-part documentary series on Cold War strategy

CBS News Era (1977-1985)

10 Emmy Awards earned during tenure at CBS for:

DuPont-Columbia Awards

4 Awards for excellence in broadcast journalism

Among journalism’s most prestigious honors, recognizing outstanding contributions to broadcast and digital journalism

Selected DuPont-Columbia Award Winners

“The Boat People” (1980)

  • Awards: Emmy Award AND DuPont-Columbia Award
  • Role: Producer
  • Significance: Groundbreaking coverage of Vietnamese refugees
  • Impact: Set new standards for humanitarian crisis reporting

“The Defense of the United States” (1981)

  • Awards: Emmy Award AND DuPont-Columbia Award
  • Collaboration: With Bob Schieffer and Walter Cronkite
  • Format: Five-part analysis of Cold War military strategy

Peabody Awards

2 Awards for outstanding contributions to electronic media

Recognizing the most powerful, enlightening, and invigorating stories in television, radio, and online media

Selected Peabody Awards

“60 Minutes: Lenell Geter’s in Jail” (1983)

  • Role: Producer
  • Impact: Exposed wrongful imprisonment case in Texas
  • Recognition: 1983 Peabody Award (CBS News)

“The Plane That Fell From the Sky” (CBS Reports)

  • Role: Executive Producer
  • Subject: Investigation of TWA flight malfunction
  • Recognition: 1983 Peabody Award (CBS News)

Ohio State Awards

5 Awards for excellence in educational and public affairs broadcasting

Honoring excellence in educational, informational, and public affairs broadcasting

Additional Honors

Overseas Press Club Award

For outstanding international journalism

George Polk Award

For special achievement in journalism

American Bar Association

2 Gavel Awards for fostering public understanding of the law

Clarion Award

For clear, concise communications in the public interest

Legacy of Excellence

Andrew Lack’s awards represent groundbreaking achievements across multiple decades and platforms. His work has consistently set new standards for investigative journalism, documentary filmmaking, and broadcast excellence.

Additional Context

Many of Andrew Lack’s awards from the 1970s and 1980s were granted to CBS News collectively, reflecting the collaborative nature of broadcast journalism during this era. His leadership roles as producer and executive producer were instrumental in achieving these honors.