Humphrys "does battle" daily on the airwaves

"This award is a nice reminder that a great many people approve of what we do."

Donald Trelford, president of the Media Society and former editor of The Observer, said the broadcaster was the clear winner after what he called "an exhaustive voting process by his peers".

He added: "The qualities on which we based the award were the fearless tenacity and effectiveness of his interviewing, based on solid research and an inquiring intelligence, which have succeeded over many years in illuminating complex areas of public policy."

Steve Mitchell, head of BBC radio news said: "In John we have something of a national treasure, though of course he would find such a description pompous beyond belief.

Humphrys' award will be presented at a dinner at the Savoy Hotel in London on 14 March next year.