News & Press Releases
The resurrected American Penal Press Contest honors incarcerated journalists
The Objective | December 18, 2025
2025 saw the revival of the historic journalism awards, once called the Pulitzers of prison newsrooms, after a 35-year hiatus.
Newspaper at Oklahoma's largest women's prison awarded national recognition
KOSU Radio | November 4, 2025
The Mabel Bassett Balance, launched just over a year ago and written by women incarcerated at the Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in McLoud, recently won a first-place award in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest, a prestigious national journalism competition for prison‑based publications.
The Mabel Bassett Balance wins “Best Debut” Award in national journalism contest
Oklahoma Department of Corrections | October 31, 2025
The publication The Mabel Bassett Balance, produced at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center, proudly announces that it has been honored with the Best Debut award in the 2025 American Penal Press Contest, a prestigious national journalism competition for prison‑based publications.
Pendleton prison wins top honors at national prison journalism contest
Oregon Public Broadcasting | October 10, 2025
The Echo and 1664 Editor in Chief Phillip Luna and Staff Writer Kurtis Thompson join OPB to talk about their award-winning work and how journalism is helping them amplify voices within incarcerated communities.
Pendleton prison newsroom receives recognition
The Observer | September 20, 2025
The Echo and 1664 were recognized on Friday, Sept. 19, with five awards in the American Penal Press Contest, including first place for best newsletter and first place for best magazine. Both publications are produced by incarcerated reporters at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution...
‘The Pulitzer Prize behind bars': Celebrating work by incarcerated newsrooms
NBC Bay Area | September 18, 2025
For the first time in its history, the American Penal Press Contest will be held inside a correctional facility, the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, on Friday, Sept. 19...
How prison newspapers like 'The Interim' helped instigate change
Nashville Scene | September 3, 2025
Printed by people incarcerated in the now-closed Tennessee State Prison, 'The Interim' set the stage for prison newspapers of today...
Pollen Initiative and Southern Illinois University Carbondale to Relaunch Historic American Penal Press Contest
PRESS RELEASE | March 31, 2025
Contest celebrates achievements by incarcerated newsrooms across the U.S. Winners to be announced on September 19 at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center...