For disinterested and meritorious public service rendered by a United States newspaper, published daily, Sunday or at least once a week, during the year, a gold medal.
Utica (NY) Observer-Dispatch and Utica Daily Press , by Utica (NY) Observer-Dispatch and Utica Daily Press
For their successful campaign against corruption, gambling and vice in their home city and the achievement of sweeping civic reforms in the face of political pressure and threats of violence. By their stalwart leadership of the forces of good government, these newspapers upheld the best tradition of a free press.
The Jury
The Jury
Buford Boone*
President and Publisher, Tuscaloosa (Ala.) News
Walter Lister
Executive Editor, Philadelphia Bulletin
R.L. McGrath
Managing Editor, Seattle Times
Winners in Public Service
Arkansas Gazette
For demonstrating the highest qualities of civic leadership, journalistic responsibility and moral courage in the face of great public tension during the school integration crisis of 1957. The newspaper's fearless and completely objective news coverage, plus its reasoned and moderate policy, did much to restore calmness and order to an overwrought community, reflecting great credit on its editors and its management.
Chicago Daily News
For determined and courageous public service in exposing a $2,500,000 fraud centering in the office of the State Auditor of Illinois, resulting in the indictment and conviction of the State Auditor and others. This led to the reorganization of State procedures to prevent a recurrence of the fraud.
Watsonville (CA) Register-Pajaronian
For courageous exposure of corruption in public office, which led to the resignation of a district attorney and the conviction of one of his associates.
Columbus (GA) Ledger and Sunday Ledger-Enquirer
For its complete news coverage and fearless editorial attack on widespread corruption in neighboring Phenix City, Ala., which were effective in destroying a corrupt and racket-ridden city government. The newspaper exhibited an early awareness of the evils of lax law enforcement before the situation in Phenix City erupted into murder. It covered the whole unfolding story of the final prosecution of the wrong-doers with skill, perception, force and courage.
1959 Prize Winners
William H. (Bill) Mauldin
For "I won the Nobel Prize for Literature. What was your crime?" Published on October 30, 1958.
Ralph McGill
For his distinguished editorial writing during 1958 as exemplified in his editorial "A Church, A School...." and for his long, courageous and effective editorial leadership.