WebProNews

The Pulitzer Prize Board has announced it will now accept submissions from online-only news outlets for the first time in its history.

Submissions are required to be text-based and come from online- only publications from the United Sates. The submissions should come from online news organizations that publish at least weekly. Entries comprised of entirely online content can be submitted in all 14 Pulitzer journalism categories.

"This is an important step forward, reflecting our continued commitment to American newspapers as well as our willingness to adapt to the remarkable growth of online journalism," said Sig Gissler, administrator of the Prizes.

"The new rules enlarge the Pulitzer tent and recognize more fully the role of the Web, while underscoring the enduring value of words and of serious reporting."

Gissler said the Board will continue to follow the impact of the Internet.

Beginning in 2006, online content from newspaper Web sites was allowed in all Pulitzer journalism categories, but online- only newspapers were not permitted to submit entries. Entirely online entries were allowed in only two categories, breaking news coverage and breaking news photography.

In addition to text stories, the competition will continue to allow a full range of online content, such as interactive graphics and video in nearly all categories. Two photography categories will continue to restrict entries to still images.