Around 1975, Batten joined NBC/WRC as a page, then working in the mailroom. A few years later he was asked to work as a field sound person and cameraman for WRC4, then for the NBC network where he has been for over 35 years. Batten has covered many breaking news stories during his career, from the Oklahoma City bombing to the JFK plane crash to the Atlanta Olympic bombing. He also documented multiple political conventions, presidential campaign trips and presidential interviews. Since 2007 Batten has been assigned Senior White House cameraperson for NBC News and according to NBC is their “best dressed cameraperson.”
Whitney Shefte, WHNPA president, commented about the award, “We are so proud to name Rodney our Lifetime Achievement Award winner for 2016. Rodney continues to have a distinguished career, and his contributions to the association have been invaluable.”[/press_release]