The Neal Conan Prize for Excellence in Journalism
The Neal Conan Prize for Excellence in Journalism honors mid-career journalists who embody Neal's belief that fairness, curiosity, and humanity matter most — and who continue to pursue those ideals even when the path ahead is uncertain. Established in 2023 to honor the legacy of Neal Conan, the American radio journalist who spent nearly four decades at NPR in roles ranging from producer to bureau chief to host of Talk of the Nation, the prize invests not in a past lifetime of work, but in the work still to come.
Each year on Neal's birthday, the recipient receives $50,000 in unrestricted support — no reporting requirements, no prescribed use. It invests in the journalist, not a deliverable, honoring the rigor, nuance, creative storytelling, public service, and courage that defined Neal's own work.
How are Prize winners chosen?
Laureates contribute priority nominations for the Prize; a selection committee chooses the recipient. The committee includes peers and practitioners with deep connections to Neal's legacy and extensive expertise in journalism. It considers active journalists working in print, online, radio, and broadcast from every region of the world. It is supported by the "Neal Conan Prize for Excellence in Journalism Fund," a fund at Greater Horizons.
To select the recipient, the selection committee evaluates each nominee's exemplary work and published biographical information, weighing both their impact on the field and how their values align with Neal's:
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Commitment to excellence in the craft
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Integrity and courage in pursuit of truth
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Nuanced understanding of complex issues
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Human-centered storytelling and respect for the audience
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Depth of research and preparation
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Belief in honest, creative storytelling, including visual storytelling
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A lifelong curiosity and drive to learn
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Journalism as public service
Common Questions
Can individuals nominate themselves or others for the prize?
Self-nominations are not accepted. Visit the Nominate page for eligibility, criteria, and the current nomination status.
Who is on the selection committee?
The selection committee is made up of volunteers with expertise in journalism and deep connections to Neal Conan’s legacy. Laureates contribute priority nominations for the Prize; the committee chooses the recipient.
How can I learn more about the Prize?
For questions about the Prize, use the contact button below. Please allow time for a response.