VERMILLION - The anchor of the "CBS Evening News," Katie Couric, has been selected to receive the 2009 Al Neuharth Award for Excellence in the Media.

Her selection has been confirmed by Jack Marsh, executive director of the Al Neuharth Media Center and Freedom Forum in Vermillion. The Freedom Forum presents the award.

The presentation is scheduled for Oct. 8 at the DakotaDome on the University of South Dakota campus.

The annual award for lifetime achievement is named for USA Today and Freedom Forum founder Al Neuharth, a South Dakota native and 1950 USD graduate.