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, a gold medal.
Fort Worth (TX) Star-Telegram , by 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.
Finalists
Nominated as finalists in Public Service in 1985:
Staff
For its sustained effort to expose the control of Chicago's minority neighborhoods by street gangs--reporting which prompted Mayor Washington to launch a $4.5 million gang control program.
Staff
For a series by Richard High and Anne Mackinnon which, despite strong opposition from local utilities, investigated the state's need for improved natural gas regulation and led to significant reforms.
The Jury
The Jury
Meg Greenfield(Chair)*
Editorial Page Editor, The Washington Post
John G. Craig, Jr.
Editor, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Trueman E. Farris, Jr.
Managing Editor, Milwaukee Sentinel
Michael E. Waller
Editor and Vice President, The Kansas City Star and Tribune
Karin E. Winner
Deputy Managing Editor, San Diego Union
Winners in Public Service
Los Angeles Times
For an in-depth examination of southern California's growing Latino community by a team of editors and reporters.
Jackson (MS) Clarion-Ledger
For its successful campaign supporting Governor Winter in his legislative battle for reform of Mississippi's public education system.
The Detroit News
For a series by Sydney P. Freedberg and David Ashenfelter which exposed the U.S. Navy's cover-up of circumstances surrounding the deaths of seamen aboard ship and which led to significant reforms in naval procedures.
Charlotte (NC) Observer
For its series on "Brown Lung: A Case of Deadly Neglect."
1985 Prize Winners
Murray Kempton
For witty and insightful reflection on public issues in 1984 and throughout a distinguished career.
Howard Rosenberg
For his television criticism.