Stuff You Should Know The Pulitzer Prize: A major award!
Mar 28, 2024
Discover the fascinating origins and significance of the Pulitzer Prize, a pinnacle for writers and journalists alike. Explore the impactful legacy of its founder, Joseph Pulitzer, and the rivalry that shaped modern journalism. Delve into the evolving categories of the awards and the challenges faced in the selection process, especially for smaller outlets. Hear about the remarkable achievements of local newspapers and the controversies surrounding past winners. Uncover how these accolades continue to influence American culture and storytelling.
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Pulitzer's Yellow Journalism
- Joseph Pulitzer, known for establishing credible journalism, ironically helped create yellow journalism.
- This sensationalist, tabloid-style journalism, also fueled by his rival, William Randolph Hearst, even influenced the Spanish-American War.
Elevating Journalism
- Despite his yellow journalism past, Pulitzer aimed to elevate American journalism's intellectual standing.
- He achieved this by establishing the Pulitzer Prizes, linking journalism with more respected art forms.
Populist and Progressive Bent
- Pulitzer Prizes reflect Joseph Pulitzer's populist and progressive values.
- Winners often showcase those values, awarded through Columbia University.
