Harris leads change in Pulitzer Prize for music

Jay Harris, Wallis Annenberg Chair in Journalism and Democracy and director of the Center for the Study of Journalism and Democracy, was at the forefront of a significant change in the awarding of the Pulitzer Prize for music. Harris headed the Pulitzer boards decision to broaden the criteria to make musical theater scores, film scores and works containing large elements of improvisation accessible to the award. "The board has been concerned for many years that the full range of excellence in American music was not somehow getting through the process in such a way that it could be properly and appropriately considered," Harris says in a June 1 Boston Globe article. "The changes in the wording are intended to make sure that the full range of excellence can be considered."
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