But he said the site exemplified a larger trend among the winners a commitment to watchdog journalism.

WSJ: NY-based InsideClimate News wins Pulitzer

What if we're in for a decade or two of decline in the watchdog journalism that takes deep pockets and a civic commitment to produce?

BBC: NEWS | Technology | The changing mix of money and media

"It's hard not to see how this is another attempt to control media local and international by the Singapore government, " said Bob Dietz, Asia program coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists, a U.S.-based journalism watchdog.

WSJ: Singapore Tightens Grip on Internet News Sites