San Joaquin Delta College recently hosted Pulitzer on the Road: Award-Winning Journalists on Reporting in a New Era, an event that brought Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists to Stockton to discuss the evolving landscape of investigative reporting. The event took place on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the Tillie Lewis Theatre and was co-hosted by Fierce Mustang Media Group, Stocktonia, and the Pulitzer Prizes.
The evening began with a reception in the Locke Lounge, where attendees had the opportunity to network with journalists, faculty, and community members over light refreshments. The main discussion commenced, drawing a full audience eager to hear from some of the most accomplished voices in modern journalism.
Adriana Brogger, Fierce Mustang Media Co-Advisor and Digital Media Professor at Delta College, opened the event alongside Tara Cuslidge-Staiano, who shares the same titles. They emphasized the vital role of local journalism in democracy and celebrated the contributions of Delta College’s student journalists, encouraging them to continue pursuing the truth in an era where misinformation is increasingly prevalent.
The panel featured an impressive lineup of award-winning journalists, each bringing unique perspectives on investigative reporting and the responsibilities that come with holding power to account. Caitlin Dickerson, an investigative reporter for The Atlantic, won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting for her deeply researched coverage of family separations at the U.S.-Mexico border. She detailed the years-long effort to uncover the truth behind the policy, explaining the challenges of accessing public records and battling misinformation from government officials.
Anna Wolfe, an investigative journalist at Mississippi Today, shared her experience reporting on the largest public corruption case in Mississippi’s history. Her 2023 Pulitzer Prize-winning investigation exposed the misuse of millions of dollars in welfare funds, some of which were directed to high-profile figures, including former NFL quarterback Brett Favre. She spoke about the legal pressures journalists face, including defamation lawsuits intended to silence reporters, and underscored the importance of persistence and accuracy in investigative work.
Nicole Carroll, the executive director of Newswell and former editor-in-chief of USA Today, shared insights into the changing media landscape and the critical need for sustainable local journalism. She has played a significant role in the evolution of modern newsrooms and is currently focused on ensuring local news organizations remain financially viable. Carroll also serves as a member of the Pulitzer Prize Board and hosts the Pulitzer on the Road podcast, which further explores the impact of journalism on communities across the country.
The panel was moderated by Marjorie Miller, Administrator of the Pulitzer Prizes, who guided the discussion on topics such as government accountability, the decline of local news, and the growing importance of media literacy. Stocktonia Executive Editor Scott Linesburgh also participated, offering insights into the role of regional journalism in addressing issues that directly impact the Stockton community.
A major theme of the evening was the ongoing battle against misinformation and the role of journalists in maintaining public trust. Panelists stressed the importance of transparency, thorough fact-checking, and ethical reporting as fundamental principles of journalism. They also encouraged aspiring journalists to embrace investigative work, despite the challenges, as it plays a crucial role in preserving democracy and amplifying underrepresented voices.
The Pulitzer on the Road initiative brings Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists to audiences across the country, emphasizing the power of local news and its impact on communities. The event at Delta College provided students and community members with a rare opportunity to engage directly with top-tier journalists and gain valuable insights into the profession.
As misinformation continues to spread and local newsrooms face increasing financial and legal challenges, events like this serve as a reminder of the indispensable role journalism plays in society. Attendees were encouraged to support independent news organizations, stay engaged with credible sources, and consider careers in journalism to help shape the future of the industry.
For more information on Pulitzer on the Road and its mission, visit Pulitzer on the Road and Stocktonia.
