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The 2027 Neal Conan Laureates Announced

On September 29, 2026, the Neal Conan Prize for Excellence in Journalism revealed its inaugural class of honorees for 2027: Nikole Hannah-Jones, Latif Nasser, Lydia Polgreen, Pablo Torre, and Lauren Williams. This distinction celebrates journalists who have demonstrated exceptional ingenuity, adaptability, and perseverance in the face of an evolving journalistic landscape.

A New Era in Journalism

As the industry undergoes rapid changes in business models, reporting formats, and audience engagement, these laureates serve as beacons of excellence. Their careers exemplify how high standards in journalism can transcend institutions, acting as models for aspiring journalists everywhere.

According to Gretel Ehrlich, the widow of Neal Conan and part of the selection committee, her late husband's ethos emphasized the importance of understanding the context and history of conflict zones. "If you don't know about a place, find out! Educate yourself and remember it all," she noted, reflecting on his approach to reporting.

The Neal Conan Laureates program is distinct from the annual Neal Conan Prize, which grants $50,000 to a mid-career journalist for their achievements. The 2026 Prize recipient will be disclosed later this fall.

Meet the Laureates

Nikole Hannah-Jones

Nikole Hannah-Jones is renowned for orchestrating The 1619 Project and serves as a staff writer at The New York Times Magazine. Additionally, she is the Knight Chair in Race and Journalism at Howard University, a role through which she established the Center for Journalism & Democracy. Hannah-Jones was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 2020, marking significant recognition for her impactful work.

Latif Nasser

Latif Nasser, a co-host of WNYC Studios' Radiolab and executive producer of Connected on Netflix, integrates his academic background—a doctorate in the history of science from Harvard University—into compelling storytelling for audio and television formats. His unique approach has garnered audiences across platforms, illustrating the intersection of academia and media.

Lydia Polgreen

Having formerly held the title of editor-in-chief at HuffPost, Lydia Polgreen now pens opinion columns for The New York Times. Her journey demonstrates a return to bylines after leading different newsrooms, showing her flexible adaptation to evolving industry demands. In 2026, she received the Hillman Prize for Opinion and Analysis Journalism, further solidifying her contributions to the media landscape.

Pablo Torre

Pablo Torre, the host and executive editor of Pablo Torre Finds Out, is recognized for his team's Pulitzer Prize-winning audio reporting in 2026. His prior experiences writing for Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine inform his current work, showcasing a narrative-rich approach that captivates listeners.

Lauren Williams

Lauren Williams stands out as the co-founder and CEO of Capital B, a nonprofit crafted to serve Black communities through quality journalism. Prior to this, she was the senior vice president and editor-in-chief of Vox. Williams emphasizes community engagement in her reporting processes, aiming to foster trust and understanding in her audience—a mission that fuels the ambition of her organization.

Looking Ahead: The 2027 Symposium

The laureates will be honored during an invitation-only celebration in New York in November 2026, followed by participation in an informative symposium in the spring of 2027. This event, co-sponsored by the Journalism Protection Initiative at CUNY's Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, will focus on themes of press freedom and journalism safety amid modern-day challenges.

In a time when these issues are increasingly pertinent, the symposium aims to equip both seasoned and budding journalists with essential skills, resources, and knowledge to flourish within a more adversarial profession.

About the Neal Conan Prize

The Neal Conan Prize for Excellence in Journalism champions human-centered reporting and endeavors to support the future of the craft. Named in memory of Neal Conan, an esteemed journalist, the annual award reinforces the commitment to journalistic integrity and provides necessary resources to a mid-career reporter driving impactful work forward.

Further Engagement

For more information on the laureates and the Neal Conan Prize, take a moment to visit nealconanprize.org.

In celebrating these talented individuals, we are reminded of journalism's vital role in society and its capacity to adapt and resist challenges, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of informed communities and democracy.