The coronavirus is now impacting journalism’s highest awards.
The Pulitzer Prize board is postponing the 2020 award winners announcements originally slated for Monday, April 20. Now, the awards for journalism, books, drama and music will be announced on Monday, May 4 at 3 p.m. Eastern time via livestream at Pulitzer.org.
In a statement, Pulitzer Prize Administrator Dana Canedy said, “The Pulitzer board includes many high-level journalists who are on the frontlines of informing the public on the quickly evolving Coronavirus pandemic. As they focus on this critical mission, this postponement will provide additional time to thoroughly evaluate the 2020 Pulitzer finalists.”
The annual awards luncheon, usually held at Columbia University in May, also will be postponed. There is hope a reception for winners can be held at a later date.
Canedy said, “More than ever, this moment highlights journalism’s mission to provide a vital public service. It also demonstrates literature and the arts’ ability to transport and uplift the human spirit during trying times. The Pulitzer Prizes will continue its more than century-long mandate to celebrate such excellence.”
For a preview of this year’s Pulitzer Prizes, check out Roy Harris Jr. ‘s piece on Poynter.org.
Tom Jones is Poynter’s senior media writer. Email him at tjones@poynter.org or tweet to him at @TomWJones.
