Online sites now eligible to win a Pulitzer Prize

The Pulitzer Prize criteria has expanded to include news organizations which publish only online, the Board announced today. The Pulitzer is a holy grail in journalism, and has traditionally been available to American journalists whose work has appeared in print only.

The Board also will allow entries made up entirely of online content to be submitted in all 14 Pulitzer journalism categories.

All material entered must still come from United States newspapers or news organizations which publish weekly at a minimum. These outlets must also be “primarily dedicated to original news reporting and coverage of ongoing stories,” and that “adhere to the highest journalistic principles.”

The Board will continue to exclude entries from print magazines and broadcast media and their sites.  I’m also bugged a bit by the fact that it’s only American-based publications.

“This is an important step forward, reflecting our continued commitment to American newspapers as well as our willingness to adapt to the remarkable growth of online journalism,” said Sig Gissler, administrator of the Prizes. “The new rules enlarge the Pulitzer tent and recognize more fully the role of the Web, while underscoring the enduring value of words and of serious reporting.”

The Board, Gissler said, hopes that the change will encourage the submission of more online material in the competition.
(image courtesy Pulitzer Prize Organization)