Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Journalism
The Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting has been presented since 1998, for a distinguished example of explanatory reporting that illuminates a significant and complex subject, demonstrating mastery of the subject, lucid writing and clear p ...
in 1987, for ''
The Chicago Tribune
The ''Chicago Tribune'' is a daily newspaper based in Chicago, Illinois, United States, owned by Tribune Publishing. Founded in 1847, and formerly self-styled as the "World's Greatest Newspaper" (a slogan for which WGN radio and television ar ...
''.
Background
Lyon was born in
Chicago
(''City in a Garden''); I Will
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Medill School of Journalism
The Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications is a constituent school of Northwestern University that offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. It frequently ranks as the top school of journalism in the Unite ...
at
Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, Illinois. Founded in 1851, Northwestern is the oldest chartered university in Illinois and is ranked among the most prestigious academic institutions in the world.
Charte ...
. He is married to Bonita Brodt who is a feature writer for the ''Tribune''. The couple has one daughter and live in
Chicago
(''City in a Garden''); I Will
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.
Journalism
Lyon first worked at ''
The Miami Herald
The ''Miami Herald'' is an American daily newspaper owned by the McClatchy Company and headquartered in Doral, Florida, a city in western Miami-Dade County and the Miami metropolitan area, several miles west of Downtown Miami.Chicago Today for eight years. Following that he began work at the ''Tribune'' as well as its Sunday magazine. In 1976 he became a columnist for that journal and then five years later a feature writer. Lyon held the role of
Deputy Editor
Deputy or depute may refer to:
* Steward (office)
* Khalifa, an Arabic title that can signify "deputy"
* Deputy (legislator), a legislator in many countries and regions, including:
** A member of a Chamber of Deputies, for example in Italy, Spa ...
at the ''Tribune'' and Director of the science writing program at Chicago’s Columbia College.
Awards and acclaim
Lyon won the Pulitzer Prize, together with Peter Gorner, for The Chicago Tribune “for he seven part ‘Altered Fates, The Promise of Gene Therapy’ 1986series on the promises of gene therapy, which examined the implications of this revolutionary medical treatment.” According to ''Tribune'' Editor James D. Squires, the Altered Fates series “is an outstanding example of the kind of excellence in journalism symbolized by the Pulitzer Prize. In 1986, the Tribune had a number of outstanding reporting efforts we think worthy of the Pulitzer, but theirs was indeed our best. All of us are proud and grateful that it was so recognized.”
Lyon was the recipient of the 1984 National Headliner Award for a Tribune series on the care of congenitally handicapped newborns. Thereafter he expanded this work and wrote a book based on it, called, ''Playing God in the Nursery''.