2007 Pulitzer Prize Category Definitions

The Pulitzer Prize, pronounced Pull-it-ser, is an American award regarded as the highest national honor in print journalism, literary achievements, and musical composition. It is administered by Columbia University in New York City. Prizes are awarded yearly in twenty-one categories. In twenty of these, each winner receives a certificate and a US$10,000 cash reward. The winner in the public service category of the journalism competition is awarded a gold medal, which always goes to a newspaper, although an individual may be named in the citation.

The Pulitzer Prize category definitions in the 2007 competition, in the order they are awarded, are:

• Public Service—for a distinguished example of meritorious public service by a newspaper through the use of its journalistic resources, which may include editorials, cartoons, and photographs, as well as reporting. Often thought of as the grand prize, the Public Service award is given to the newspaper, not to individuals, though individuals are often mentioned for their contributions.
• Breaking News Reporting—for a distinguished example of local reporting of breaking news.
• Investigative Reporting—for a distinguished example of investigative reporting by an individual or team, presented as a single article or series.
• Explanatory Reporting—for a distinguished example of explanatory reporting that illuminates a significant and complex subject, demonstrating mastery of the subject, lucid writing, and clear presentation.
• Local Reporting—for a distinguished example of local reporting that illuminates significant issues or concerns. National Reporting—for a distinguished example of reporting on national affairs.
• International Reporting—for a distinguished example of reporting on international affairs, including United Nations correspondence.
• Feature Writing—for a distinguished example of feature writing giving prime consideration to high literary quality and originality.
• Commentary—for distinguished commentary.
• Criticism—for distinguished criticism.
• Editorial Writing—for distinguished editorial writing, the test of excellence being clarity of style, moral purpose, sound reasoning, and power to influence public opinion in what the writer conceives to be the right direction.
• Editorial Cartooning—for a distinguished cartoon or portfolio of cartoons published during the year, characterized by originality, editorial effectiveness, quality of drawing, and pictorial effect.