What better time to be reminded of the essential work of journalists across the country.
From the NPR reporting (with the list of winners)-Pulitzer administrator Dana Canedy made these remarks at the announcment at Columbia University in New York City.
"In the journalism categories, yet again this year, winners uphold the highest purpose of a free and independent press," she added. "Even in the most trying of times, these courageous inspiring and committed journalists and their news organizations are undaunted in their mission in support of the Fourth Estate."
Reading through the list of winners and taking in the stories that were covered gives me serious pause.
some examples-
- Investigative Reporting: The staff of The Washington Post.
"For purposeful and relentless reporting that changed the course of a Senate race in Alabama, revealing a candidate's alleged past sexual harassment of teenage girls and subsequent efforts to undermine the journalism that exposed it."
- Explanatory Reporting: Jointly awarded to the staffs of the Arizona Republic and the USA Today Network.
"For vivid and timely reporting that masterfully combined text, video, podcasts and virtual reality to examine from multiple perspectives the difficulties and unintended consequences of fulfilling President Trump's pledge to construct a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico."
- Public Service: jointly awarded to The New York Times, for reporting led by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, and The New Yorker, for reporting by Ronan Farrow.
"For explosive, impactful journalism that exposed powerful and wealthy sexual predators — including allegations against one of Hollywood's most influential producers — bringing them to account for long-suppressed claims of coercion, brutality and victim-silencing, thus spurring a worldwide reckoning about sexual abuse of women."
I needed the reminder, yet again, of just how important real journalism is. What it means. What it can do. With the insanity of Hannity and the disturbing story of Maksim Borodin and the fact that journalists around the world risk their lives to speak truth to power, it’s the right time to acknowledge the excellent work.