[1] The prizes were given for American journalism and literary works published in 1916.
The winners were selected by the Trustees of Columbia University, on advice from juries of appointed experts.
A prize of $1,000 was awarded for reporting, and $500 for editorial writing.
[1] Because of an insufficient number of candidates, prizes were not issued in the three other journalism categories (public service, newspaper history, and most suggestive paper on development of the Columbia School of Journalism).
[1] Prizes for the best novel and best drama were not awarded, as the jurors did not find a deserving winner.