MEDIA CONTACT: Charles R. Loebbaka at (847) 491-4887 or at c-loebbaka@northwestern.edu

September 23, 2003

Medill Is New Home for Investigative Reporting Award

EVANSTON, Ill. --- The $10,000 Mongerson Prize for Investigative Reporting on the News has a new home at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

“Medill is delighted to administer this prestigious prize designed to improve the craft of journalism, which complements our educational mission,” said Loren Ghiglione, Medill’s dean.

Established in 2001, The Mongerson Prize honors reporting that uncovers and corrects incomplete, inaccurate or misleading news stories. Ellen Shearer, assistant dean, professor and co-director of Medill’s Washington Program, will serve as curator of the award.

The Prize has as its goals:

• To improve press credibility by encouraging more reporting on media mistakes;

• To honor journalists who set the record straight on news stories;

• To promote high news standards so that the public receives the best, most reliable and accurate information possible.

Shearer praised Paul Mongerson, a retired engineer who established the award after years of studying the news media, for offering the news industry a way to highlight its successes in improving credibility by correcting mistakes. "This award provides reporters and editors who have the courage to investigate and report on our failings with recognition and acclaim for their important work," she said.

Details on the awards process can be found at: http://www.medill.northwestern.edu/awards/mongerson_site/index.htm

The 2004 award will be presented in Washington in May.