Four New England journalists will receive the prestigious Yankee Quill Award this spring for their contributions to the betterment of journalism in the six-state region.
In addition, the Academy of New England Journalists posthumously honors historical figures Henry and Benjamin Lindsey of New Bedford, Mass. of the Whalemen’s Shipping List and Merchants’ Transcript.
“The journalists will be honored with the award on March 29, 2025”, said Richard Lodge, chair of the sponsoring Academy of New England Journalists.
This year’s Yankee Quill awards will be presented during the annual convention of the New England Newspaper and Press Association on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at The Portland (ME) Regency Hotel. Tickets can be purchased at this link.
The 2025 honorees are:
Mike Bello will receive the award for his unwavering commitment to quality journalism and his lasting impact on colleagues and the newsroom. A respected figure in the Boston journalism community, Mike’s nearly 50-year career has shaped the lives of countless journalists, from budding reporters to Pulitzer Prize winners. Starting at just 14, he built an impressive career in radio, TV, and print journalism, earning accolades such as a Pulitzer Prize for his work on the Globe’s coverage of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Mike has not only excelled in breaking news situations, but also nurtured the careers of many, providing mentorship and guidance with compassion, integrity, and respect. Known for his steady leadership, Mike’s career spans both major national stories and local coverage, earning him admiration for his professionalism and deep influence on the field.
Randy Capitani is honored for his wide contributions to journalism. He is the co-publisher of the Deerfield Valley News in southern Vermont and has spent more than 30 years serving his community and the newspaper industry. As a versatile editor, reporter, photographer, and graphic designer, Randy has become a central figure in the Deerfield Valley, covering local news and sports with passion and dedication. He has served on numerous boards, including the New England Press Association and the Vermont Press Association, and is the long-time president of the Journalism Education Foundation of New England. Randy’s deep commitment to his community extends beyond journalism—he has been involved in various local initiatives, from youth sports to economic development, and even helped shape the River Valley Unified Union School District. His hands-on approach to both publishing and community service has earned him widespread respect, and his work continues to inspire others in both the field of journalism and beyond.
Gloria Negri was a one-of-a-kind, groundbreaking woman journalist who arguably was the first to crack the Globe’s glass ceiling. She was relentless in her reporting over 53 years and was distinctive because she gave a voice to people who are seldom heard in our society. And she left a durable legacy for those in need and for the journalism business itself. Negri, who died in 2017 at 91, gave almost half of her estate — a bequest of $1 million — to Globe Santa, which has given holiday packages to more than 3 million children of all backgrounds. The New England First Amendment Coalition received a bequest of $818,125, and the coalition named its annual multi-day journalism training program the Gloria Negri First Amendment Institute. The Tom Winship Journalism Fund at Northeastern University, named for the Globe’s former editor, received $50,000 — money that provides opportunities for students who might not be able to pursue a journalism education without help. The Scituate Library Foundation received $157,192.
Jacqueline Smith, a distinguished journalist and educator, receives the prestigious Yankee Quill Award for her profound impact on journalism, both in practice and education, and her steadfast advocacy for press rights. With a career spanning more than four decades, Jacky began as a small-town stringer at the Hartford Courant before covering education and defense at The Day of New London and then rose through the ranks at Hearst Connecticut Media. She is currently serving as the ombudsman for Stars and Stripes, where she defends the First Amendment and advocates for press freedom within the military. Throughout her career, she has worked at several prominent newspapers, earned multiple awards for investigative reporting, and inspired countless students through her teaching at Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Hartford. Known for her calm yet authoritative voice, Jacky has been a champion for the free press, guiding her newsroom through significant moments like the Sandy Hook school tragedy and pushing for reforms to improve journalism standards.
Henry and Benjamin Lindsey will posthumously receive the Yankee Quill Award for historical figures. The brothers were pivotal figures in the history of New Bedford, Mass. and American whaling. In 1843, Henry Lindsey founded the Whalemen’s Shipping List and Merchants’ Transcript, a weekly newspaper dedicated to tracking the voyages and operations of whaling ships, offering critical information about vessels, cargo, and the often perilous journeys of sailors. The newspaper became a vital source for whalers, their families, and the commercial community, reporting on everything from whale oil quantities to crew fatalities and shipwrecks. Henry published the paper until his untimely death in 1853, after which his brother Benjamin, who was publishing the general interest daily newspaper the New Bedford Mercury, took over and continued its publication until 1889. The paper remained an essential resource through the golden age of American whaling, documenting the rise and eventual decline of the industry, and concluding its 71-year run in 1914.
The Yankee Quill, which began in 1959, is bestowed annually by the Academy of New England Journalists through the auspices of the New England Society of News Editors. It is considered the highest individual honor awarded to newspaper, TV, radio, magazine, and other journalists in the six-state region. Winners are selected based on a history of lifetime achievement showing a broad impact in New England Journalism.