Pulitzer Prize Delayed Due to COVID-19: "Judges Reporting from the Field"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the announcement of the Pulitzer Prize winners, a prestigious American journalism award, has been postponed. This is because some of the judges involved in selecting the winners are journalists reporting on the COVID-19 situation on the front lines, requiring more time for evaluation.

The Pulitzer Prize Board announced on the 7th (local time) that this year's winner announcement has been postponed from the 20th of this month to the 4th of next month.

Dana Canedy, Executive Director of the Pulitzer Prize, stated, "Many journalists affiliated with the board are on the front lines of reporting on the COVID-19 pandemic," adding, "Since they are focused on this critical mission, we will postpone the winner selection and provide time to thoroughly evaluate the finalists."

Canedy further said, "Now more than ever, the mission of journalism serving the public interest is emphasized," and added, "This demonstrates the power of literature and art to uplift the human spirit during difficult times, and the Pulitzer Prize will continue its authority as an award that has been honoring these virtues for over 100 years."

Following this decision, the customary annual awards luncheon held in May at Columbia University in the United States will also be postponed. Detailed schedules for the welcome dinner for the winners will be announced later.