David Nyhan Prize for Public Policy Journalism

The David Nyhan Prize for Public Policy Journalism is administered by the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy, a research center at the Harvard Kennedy School. The Shorenstein Center is committed to bridging the gap between journalism, academia, and the public, focusing on how media, politics, and policy intersect. The Nyhan Prize was established to honor the legacy of David Nyhan, a longtime columnist and reporter at The Boston Globe who was known for advocating for the underrepresented and holding the powerful to account through his journalism. The prize is awarded to journalists who excel in revealing the mechanisms of politics and policymaking, particularly those who focus on human-centered narratives that demystify governance and emphasize accountability. The award celebrates journalists who move beyond surface-level political reporting to expose the real-world effects of policy decisions and legislative actions. There are two distinct categories within the prize: the David Nyhan Prize for Public Policy Journalism, which is aimed at mid-career and later-career journalists, and the David Nyhan Emerging Talent Journalism Award, which recognizes early-career and student journalists demonstrating potential and commitment to this form of impactful journalism. Eligible candidates for either category must be U.S.-based journalists working in any medium, including print, digital, audio, or video, and may be affiliated with any organization, including freelance and self-employed professionals. Submissions must showcase a body of work that reflects long-term dedication to the principles the prize upholds. Work may include both reported journalism and commentary, but the latter must contain substantial original reporting. The submissions must be in English or accompanied by English translations. For nominees not associated with an editorially managed publication, evidence of adherence to journalistic standards must be provided through education or a written statement. Nomination can be made by employers, members of the public, or by the journalists themselves. Each nomination must include a completed form and five work samples demonstrating the nominee’s sustained engagement in public policy journalism. For mid-career and later-career candidates, at least one sample must be from the past two years. Emerging talent nominees must include at least two samples from recognized outlets, including student publications. Joint nominations are permitted for up to two reporting partners if all work is co-bylined; group or collaborative projects are not accepted. Winners of the David Nyhan Prize for Public Policy Journalism receive a monetary award of $4,000, while winners of the Emerging Talent Prize receive $1,000. In cases of joint winners, the prize money is divided equally. Awardees will be recognized at a public event—either virtual or in-person—hosted by the Shorenstein Center. The judging panel consists of three to five members selected by the Center’s Faculty Director, with the Director of Communications and Strategy overseeing the process and the Faculty Director making the final decision. Nominations for the 2024 prize are currently open and will be accepted until September 1, 2025. All nominations must be submitted through the Center’s dedicated portal, which requires account creation. Prior users of the portal for the Nyhan Prize or other Shorenstein Center awards may already have an account. Any questions regarding the nomination process can be directed to Liz Schwartz, the designated contact person at the Center.

Judges will evaluate nominees based on submitted work; emphasis should be on long-term commitment and quality of journalism, including clarity, accountability, and human-centered reporting.