The champagne was on hold in both New Orleans and Biloxi, but a shared Pulitzer Prize for Public Service was cause for extended celebration at both the Times-Picayune and Sun Herald newsrooms.

At The Times-Picayune, there was eager anticipation but little suspense. Editors, asked what was going to happen, answered with broad smiles and a suggestion to be sure to be around at 2 p.m. CST.

About 1:30, the Associated Press rolled in with cameras, removing any doubt.

Photo courtesy of The Times-Picayune Times-Picayune executive editor Jim Amoss and publisher Ashton Phelps celebrate the paper's Pulitzer prize with the paper's staff.

"It was kind of like waiting for a baby to be born," said city-side reporter Steve Ritea, who provided information for this report. "First one popped out on the wire and then the other." (The Times-Picayune staff also won for distinguished reporting of breaking news.)

Some staffers had invited spouses and children to attend the announcement. Some people in the room were sobbing, especially those who had lost their homes in the storm.

"This was an extraordinary moment for our newspaper," said editor Jim Amoss, standing on a chair by the city desk. "I can see it in your faces."

Earlier, photo editor Doug Parker told Poynter Online, "It's probably not going to be like you think. It is hard to celebrate on other people's misery."

David Purdy/Sun Herald Sun Herald city editor Kate Magandy, executive editor Stan Tiner and assistant city editor Blake Kaplan.

In consideration of the plight of Katrina victims, no champagne was served. But, in fact, the celebration was audibly boisterous 20 minutes after the announcement. Because both awards were to the entire staff, Ritea said, "it feels like we all won the Super Bowl."

In Biloxi, top executives built some suspense into the minutes before the announcement. Publisher Ricky Mathews gave a short speech, telling assembled staff that the paper was a Pulitzer finalist. But, he said, he didn't yet know for sure if they had actually won the prize. "Let's just wait and see what happens," Mathews said.

He was followed by executive editor Stan Tiner, who also said, "Let's wait" and recalled the old days, when potential winners hovered by the ticker tape.  

Four or five minutes later, assistant city editor Blake Kaplan saw the announcement move across the AP wire on his computer screen and shouted, "We won!"

David Purdy/Sun Herald Sun Herald editors Lisa Monti and Doug Barber, along with advertising manager Paul Mallery.

The room burst into hugging and congratulations.

Mathews and Tiner continued with congratulatory speeches and also thanked the people of south Mississippi. Tiner joked about the absence of champagne, but noted that the company had sprung for sweet tea and cookies in the break room.

"It was one of those moments that we'll remember forever," said Kaplan, who provided information for this report. "We're very humbled to have won. Very humbled."

For the papers' own reports on the prizes, see:
    The Times-Picayune
    The Sun Herald