The Award

A $500,000 gift from Ursula and Dr. Gilbert Farfel established the Farfel Prize, which is awarded by the College of Communication's E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University.

“We wanted our gift to go to something that would make a difference,” says Dr. Farfel. “The press is one of the great freedoms in America. In my travels around the world, I’ve seen how important it is as a means of communication with citizens.”

“It’s an honor for the Farfels to establish this prestigious prize in journalism at Ohio University,” says College of Communication Dean Kathy Krendl. “Their generosity will enable our college to select the recipients of one of the single largest prizes in journalism, a prize that will potentially one day carry the weight of the Pulitzer. It will bring a great deal of prestige to this institution as well as to the field of investigative journalism.”

Purpose – To encourage the media to continue investigative reporting activities that are not covered normally or in depth. The endowment will provide an annual cash award for outstanding investigative reporting throughout the country. The recipient will be invited to serve as a visiting professional in Ohio University’s College of Communication and hold a public lecture to discuss the award-winning story. The recipient may also be a visiting professional in other courses on campus as they relate to his or her expertise.

Eligible Recipients – Any single journalist or team of journalists from print media that publishes more than three times per week is eligible to receive this award recognizing major substantive reporting that covers stories intelligently and completely. These should be stories that raise public consciousness and/or awareness and take an extra effort to cover.

Geographic Location – This is a United States, national award.

Application – Applications are welcome from throughout the United States. In order to be eligible for the award, an application must be submitted. Nominations will be entertained; however, in those cases, the journalist or team of journalists will be asked to submit an application. View and print an entry form.

Selection Process – The Dean of the College of Communication at Ohio University will be responsible for appointing a committee as he or she determines is most appropriate. The selection committee includes at least one faculty member from the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism, one reporter from the State of Ohio, and three reporters or industry professionals from outside the State of Ohio. The Farfel Prize will be judged and presented in conjunction with the Scripps Howard Foundation.

Frequency and Venue – The award will be presented annually at the National Journalism Awards presented by the Scripps Howard Foundation.