Reuters wins Pulitzers; rapper Lamar honoured

NEW YORK: Reuters won two Pulitzer Prizes yesterday, one for exposing the methods of police killing squads in Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, and one for feature photography documenting the Rohingya migrant crisis between Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The Pulitzers, the most prestigious awards in American journalism, also honoured US media for its work on some of the most pressing domestic issues such as pervasive sexual harassment in the workplace and the investigation into Russia’s involvement in the 2016 US presidential election.

The New York Times and the New Yorker magazine shared the honour for public service for their reporting on sexual harassment allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. The reporting revealed ‘‘explosive, impactful journalism that exposed powerful and wealthy sexual predators,’’ the Pulitzer board said.

Reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey shared the

honour for their report on Weinstein, which triggered a series of similar allegations against influential men in politics, journalism and show business and gave rise to the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements that have encouraged victims to come forward.

The New Yorker’s Ronan Farrow was also recognised for a Weinstein report that detailed the allegations of a woman who reported her accusations to New York police.

The New York Times and the Washington Post shared the honour for national reporting for their coverage of the investigation into Russian involvement in the 2016 US presidential election.

Kendrick Lamar became the first rapper to win a Pulitzer Prize, taking the music award for his album DAMN. — Reuters