Mayor Eric Adams has just bestowed the Key to the City of New York to a true icon in the world of journalism, Marvin Scott, honoring a storied career that has spanned an impressive six decades. Scott, a familiar face and voice in New York media circles, has contributed immensely to the fabric of New York’s newsmaking landscape. This extraordinary recognition serves to underscore his longstanding dedication to reporting with a deep commitment to integrity and the pursuit of the truth.
In a ceremony that took place recently, Mayor Adams praised Scott's extensive achievements and remarked, “For six decades, Marvin has shone a light on what is happening in our streets, across our nation, and around the globe, and he has done it with courage, integrity, and a dedication to the truth.” These comments, as reported by the Mayor's Office, reflect the esteem in which Scott is held by the city he’s covered extensively throughout his career.
Accepting the honor, Marvin Scott said, “To receive the Key to the City of New York, which has been my work home and my greatest story for six decades, is an extraordinary honor.” He went on to express his gratitude, crediting New York's people, whose stories he's been privileged enough to tell, a sentiment he revealed during the ceremony, as noted by the Mayor's Office.
Scott's reporting not only covered local New York City happenings but also stretched to touch major international events, proving his ability to adeptly traverse the changing landscapes of global and national news. Throughout his time in the field, he scored interviews with six U.S. presidents and other high-profile figures, including Israeli Prime Ministers and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat. It's worth noting that Scott holds accolades well beyond the key to the city, including 14 Emmy awards and an induction into the prestigious New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
Before making his mark at WPIX in 1980, Scott honed his journalistic skills at several esteemed outlets, among them WNEW-TV and CNN. Beyond his reporting, he took his love for storytelling to authorship, penning a book recounting his experiences and has even showcased his photographic talents in New York galleries.
The Key to the City tradition dates back to 1702, with Mayor Phillip French awarding the first. It's a gesture extended to those whose exceptional service and contributions greatly enhance public welfare and community ideals. Marvin Scott, through his long and distinguished career, certainly embodies these qualities and is deservedly the latest recipient of this historic honor.
