I think it's time for a new Pulitzer to be awarded - one for web jounalism.
I say this not only because the internet is growing as a journalistic entity - but also because of the effect of tweets and postings during the post-election upheaval in Iran. Things are still very dicey there, still very much in flux. But had it not been for the information leaked out of the country on the torture, killings, and oppression, the clamp-down and repression may have never been known, and countless more would have perished at the hands of power-hungry dictocrats and thugs.
So let me begin the nominations for web-based journalism on Iran:
Best real-time blogging by U.S. journalist: Nico Pitney, Huffington Post
Best recap blogging: The Green Brief, by Josh Shahryar
Best on-the-ground tweets: PersianKiwi (wherever you are)
Best out-of-Iran tweets: OxfordGirl
Best website: Tehran Bureau
And for the Nobel Peace Prize - I nominate Haystack, for working to develop a tool to allow free speech in repressed regimes. The peace of the world depends on the freedom of speech and the press.
Thanks to you all.
Do you have any other suggestions?
You can post them here in the comments section, or send them to:
pulitzer@pulitzer.org
comments@nobelprize.org
14 years ago
Hmmm. I've been thinking that the Pulitzer committee should come up with a web award, too. However, the fundamental basis of a Pulitzer is that it represents American life. How many Americans are paying attention to Iran? How much is it integrated into the fabric of our daily lives? And do people who just stop doing their job without explanation deserve awards? (Yes...I'm in the "Where is Nico Pitney?" Club.)
ReplyDeleteAnonymous - thanks for your thoughts. I am learning more as I go along, and I was not aware of the focus of the Pulitzers. Perhaps it's time for me to search out other venues to submit my nominations.
ReplyDeleteWhere IS Nico Pitney?? Hopefully getting some rest.