New York University plans to select the Top 10 journalism pieces of the decade. The list of nominees includes newspaper series, such as The Boston Globe’s Pulitzer Prize-winning series on abuse in the Catholic church; blog posts, such as FiveThirtyEight’s coverage of the 2008 elections; and books, including Adrian Nicole LeBlanc’s “Random Family: Love, Drugs and Coming of Age in the Bronx,” which I’ve been itching to read. Even Jon Stewart made it on the list for his “Indecision 2004″ and “Indecision 2008” satirical reports.
There’s a decent amount of variety among the nominees, but maybe not enough. In response to a Gangrey.com post about the list, The Washington Post’s Hank Stuever said:
“A very Manhattany-media list, very correct, very new-school-o’-journalism. Looked twice for any Weingarten … and decided that they mean only DEADLY SERIOUS JOURNALISM EXCEPT FOR JON STEWART.
“I think Finkel’s ‘The Good Soldiers’ shoulda been on here too. And Lane DeGregory. And …
“Oh well. Quibblin’ with Internet lists — America’s favorite new pastime.”
Other commentors agreed, suggesting that works by David Maraniss, Barry Bearak and Jim Sheeler should be added.
It’d be nice to see some quality pieces that haven’t already won numerous awards make it to the Top 10. Which stories/journalists would you add to the list?
Word on the Street 