The Gishes led The Mountain Eagle in covering controversial topics such as the effects of strip mining on the Appalachian environment and political corruption.

Pat and Tom Gish bought The Mountain Eagle from Pearl and Martha Nolan in November 1956 and took over editing the paper, and published their first issue on January 1, 1957.

[1][3] They also covered stories on a wide range of problems, including corruption, poor education, inadequate housing and poverty, though Al Cross, director of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, said they were protective of their readers' dignity, refusing to run photos of poor people.

Their work reached both a regional and national audience, leading to changes in legislation and inspiring journalists and activists who supported The War on Poverty and increased environmental awareness.

As stated by Mike Clark, a former Eagle staffer, she was the "best multi-tasking saint of an editor, housing expert, wife and mother I have ever known...How Pat balanced all those roles without sleep or peace or rest is beyond me.

"[3] Pat and Tom were highly praised and respected for reporting "the real news, regardless of whether it was either profitable or popular — and despite considerable risk to both life and livelihood.

[5] Pat even partnered with Yale Architecture School, employing students to help design housing affordable for the natural difficulties of Eastern Kentucky's landscape.

With this new development, Pat decided to oversee the merger of the EKHCDH and another similar organization, allowing her to return to a full-time position at The Eagle.

The award is to be given to "rural journalists who demonstrate courage, tenacity and integrity often needed to render public service through journalism".