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Finalist: Alabama Journal , by Staff

For its compelling investigation of the state's unusually high infant-mortality rate, which prompted legislation to combat the problem. (Moved by the Board to the General News Reporting category.)

Winners

Prize Winner in Public Service in 1988:

The Charlotte Observer

For revealing misuse of funds by the PTL television ministry through persistent coverage conducted in the face of a massive campaign by PTL to discredit the newspaper. Public Service

Finalists

Nominated as finalists in Public Service in 1988:

Staff

For reporting that described vote-buying and influence peddling in Kentucky elections and resulted in calls for new state and federal legislation.

Winners in Public Service

The Pittsburgh Press

For reporting by Andrew Schneider and Matthew Brelis, which revealed the inadequacy of the FAA's medical screening of airline pilots and led to significant reforms.

The Denver Post

For its in-depth study of "missing children," which revealed that most are involved in custody disputes or are runaways, and which helped mitigate national fears stirred by exaggerated statistics.

Fort Worth (TX) Star-Telegram

For reporting by Mark J. Thompson which revealed that nearly 250 U.S. servicemen had lost their lives as a result of a design problem in helicopters built by Bell Helicopter -a revelation which ultimately led the Army to ground almost 600 Huey helicopters pending their modification.

Los Angeles Times

For an in-depth examination of southern California's growing Latino community by a team of editors and reporters.

1988 Prize Winners

Dave Barry

For his consistently effective use of humor as a device for presenting fresh insights into serious concerns.