MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2006 1st Extraordinary Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Dawkins, Gollott, Hewes, Harden, Robertson, Moffatt, Little, Turner, Chaney, Cuevas, Tollison, Burton, Pickering, Morgan, Posey, Williamson
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SUN HERALD IN GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI, UPON ITS RECEIPT OF THE PRESTIGIOUS PULITZER PRIZE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDED FOR ITS COVERAGE OF THE CATASTROPHIC HURRICANE KATRINA EVENTS AND FOR PROVIDING A LIFELINE FOR ITS DEVASTATED READERS.
WHEREAS, on Monday, April 17, 2006, The Sun Herald in Gulfport, Mississippi, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for its coverage under difficult circumstances of the catastrophic Hurricane Katrina, which devastated its area along the Mississippi Gulf Coast; and
WHEREAS, in the public service category which is considered the highest honor, the Pulitzer Board praised The Sun Herald (and The Times-Picayune of New Orleans) "for providing a lifeline for devastated readers in print and online during their time of greatest need." Both newspapers rejoiced over their Gold Medals, but out of respect for the deaths caused by Hurricane Katrina and the hardships borne by their staffs, the celebration was low-key; and
WHEREAS, Executive Editor Stan Tiner told employees gathered in the newsroom shortly after they erupted in applause at the announcement. "You are truly the best, and to this newsroom I say this: Never have so few worked so hard and so long to tell such a story - an unending story. This Pulitzer Prize Gold Medal is dedicated to the people of South Mississippi whose magnificent hearts and spirit moved us every day that we have been privileged to tell the story of their struggle and triumphs," he said. "They will not be defeated, not by Katrina, or anything"; and
WHEREAS, three of the newspaper's editors were listed as finalists for a prize in editorial writing; and
WHEREAS, Publisher Rickey Mathews and Stan Tiner praised the entire paper's staff, and parent company Knight Ridder, for their hard work keeping the paper running and printing - not missing a single day's publication - and keeping the staff fed and sheltered for weeks afterward. "This award is almost as surreal as it was driving down the beach after the storm," said Sun Herald Vice President of Operations Marlene Kler. "I don't know if people can fully imagine what people at this newspaper went through personally, but put it aside to serve the community"; and
WHEREAS, Governor Haley Barbour congratulated the paper: "No newspaper ever deserved a Pulitzer Prize for public service any more than The Sun Herald, "The newspaper's management and staff lived through the darkest hours of Hurricane Katrina with its readers, forming a oneness that continues to this day. Even in the most adverse conditions imaginable, the newspaper never missed a beat as a valued source of vital information for its readers. Indeed, it never missed publishing even one day"; and
WHEREAS, The Sun Herald had a pre-hurricane circulation of 47,000 daily and 55,000 on Sunday, and has regained most of its circulation. This is the first Pulitzer Prize for The Sun Herald; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this singular achievement by this newspaper and its dedicated staff, who represent the courage, spirit, love and hope of the citizens of the Mississippi Gulf Coast as they stand and begin the journey to their future with sweat and dignity:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate The Sun Herald in Gulfport, Mississippi, its publishers, managers and staff, upon their receipt of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for public service awarded for their coverage of the catastrophic events of Hurricane Katrina and for providing a lifeline for devastated readers in the aftermath of the hurricane, and extend to them the best wishes of the Legislature in their future public service endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the managers and staff of The Sun Herald and be made available to members of the Capitol Press Corps.