The Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting has been presented since 1998, for a distinguished example of explanatory reporting that illuminates a significant and complex subject, demonstrating mastery of the subject, lucid writing and clear presentation. From 1985 to 1997, it was known as the Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Journalism.
The Pulitzer Prize Board announced the new category in November 1984, citing a series of explanatory articles that seven months earlier had won the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing. The series, "Making It Fly" by Peter Rinearson of the Seattle Times, was a 29,000-word account of the development of the Boeing 757 jetliner. It had been entered in the National Reporting category, but judges moved it to Feature Writing to award it a prize. In the aftermath, the Pulitzer Prize Board said it was creating the new category in part because of the ambiguity about where explanatory accounts such as "Making It Fly" should be recognized. The Pulitzer Committee issues an official citation explaining the reasons for the award.
List of winners for Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Journalism
1986: Staff of the New York Times, "for a six-part comprehensive series on the Strategic Defense Initiative, which explored the scientific, political and foreign policy issues involved in 'Star Wars.'"
1996:Laurie Garrett, Newsday, Long Island, N.Y., "for her courageous reporting from Zaire on the Ebola virus outbreak there." (The winner was nominated in the International Reporting category but moved by the Pulitzer Prize Board to Explanatory Journalism.)
1999:Richard Read, The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon), "for vividly illustrating the domestic impact of the Asian economic crisis by profiling the local industry that exports frozen french fries."
2001: Staff of the Chicago Tribune, "for 'Gateway to Gridlock,' its clear and compelling profile of the chaotic American air traffic system."
2002: Staff of The New York Times, "for its informed and detailed reporting, before and after the September 11th attacks on America, that profiled the global terrorism network and the threats it posed."
2003: Staff of the Wall Street Journal, "for its clear, concise and comprehensive stories that illuminated the roots, significance and impact of corporate scandals in America. This was originally nominated in the Public Service category, but was moved by the jury."
2007: Kenneth R. Weiss, Usha Lee McFarling and Rick Loomis of the Los Angeles Times, "for their richly portrayed reports on the world's distressed oceans, telling the story in print and online, and stirring reaction among readers and officials."
2008:Amy Harmon of The New York Times. "for her striking examination of the dilemmas and ethical issues that accompany DNA testing, using human stories to sharpen her reports."
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