TMZ wins Pulitzer for Breaking News coverage

Coverage of Lana Del Ray leaving bar called ‘new standard’

Harvey Levin is using words like “justified” and “legitimized” after his paparazzi-based brand of sensationalized journalism was awarded the 2012 Journalism Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News.

The Pulitzer jury singled out TMZ.com’s coverage of Lana Del Ray leaving a bar, visibly drunk and escorted by what appeared to be two men in drag, while pushing a baby in a stroller as the coverage garnering the award.

“TMZ created a new standard for all journalists to follow,” read the Pulitzer website. “Catching Lana Del Ray vomiting and lighting a marijuana cigarette behind the tinted windows of an Escalade was truly courageous, and showed the true power of journalism.”

Levin, TMZ’s creator, said the award establishes TMZ as a top news source, rivaling other 2012 Pulitzer winners like The Philadelphia Inquirer (winner for Public Service) and the New York Times (Explanatory Reporting). Levin said he believes TMZ will win another Pulitzer in the near future.

“I think Snooki’s pregnancy is going to be heavily considered in 2013 for investigative reporting,” Levin said. “But who knows? Mel Gibson might lose his shit again, which could lead to a Pulitzer repeat in Breaking News.”