In the wake of coronavirus pandemic, the Pulitzer Prize Board has decided to postpone the announcement of this year’s winners.
In an official announcement on Tuesday, it was said that the Pulitzer Prize Board decided to postpone the announcement as some board members are busy covering the global outbreak.
The announcement of winners will now be made on May 4, which was scheduled to be announced on April 20.
“The board includes several journalists, who are presently on the frontline reporting on the coronavirus pandemic,” said Pulitzer Prize administrator Dana Canedy.
Canedy further said that the postponement will provide additional time to thoroughly evaluate the 2020 Pulitzer finalists.
Quoting Canedy, Hindustan Times reported, “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,” she added.
She further informed that the annual awards luncheon, which is traditionally held at Columbia University in May, will also be postponed.
Details about the event would be announced later.