Four journalists will be inducted into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame on March 28 in Portland

The New England Newspaper and Press Association is pleased to announce that four New England journalists will be inducted into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame, recognizing the most outstanding newspaper professionals from throughout our six-state region and their extraordinary contributions to the industry. 

More than 100 individuals have been singled out over the past 25 years for their extraordinary contributions to their newspaper, the news industry, and their communities. 

The Hall of Fame awards will be presented at a celebratory dinner as part of the annual convention of the New England Newspaper and Press Association on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the Portland Regency Hotel, Portland, ME. Tickets can be purchased at this link.

The 2025 honorees are:
Stephen Kurkjian, The Boston Globe
Paul Pronovost, Cape Cod Times
Naomi Schalit and John Christie, Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting

Stephen Kurkjian’s extraordinary career in journalism earns him a place in the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame. A three-time Pulitzer Prize winner, Steve made major contributions to investigative reporting, most notably with The Boston Globe’s Spotlight team. He helped expose corruption in Somerville City Hall and political dealings in the MBTA, earning his first two Pulitzers. His role in uncovering the clergy abuse scandal in the Catholic Church further cemented his legacy. His leadership as the Globe’s Washington Bureau Chief and his impactful reporting on a range of topics, from municipal bond dealings to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum art theft, showcased his versatility. Beyond his reporting, Steve mentored generations of journalists, instilling values of integrity, thoroughness, and humanity in the newsroom. His continued work in retirement, including his book on the Gardner theft and consulting for a Netflix series, attests to his ongoing dedication to journalism. But all of this doesn’t capture Steve’s most important contribution to our field. He is not only a legendary reporter but a beloved mentor and friend. He served as an example for hundreds and hundreds of reporters and editors, showing them that you can be a good person, a kind and caring person, and still be a hard-nosed, take-no-prisoners accountability journalist of the highest order.

Paul Pronovost is being inducted into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame for his role as a true leader who set the bar for what journalism, humility, and dedication should look like. Paul always put others first when he was at the Cape Cod Times. He never sought the spotlight, even when the Times racked up countless awards he would step back and let his team shine. His focus was always on the work, on journalistic integrity, and on inspiring others. Paul has a special way of mentoring young journalists, making them feel seen and valued. Even now, his influence is felt at Saint Anselm’s College, where his leadership continues to earn recognition. But what truly stands out about Paul is his ability to bring out the best in people while staying grounded and approachable. Paul is the gold standard of what it means to be a great leader—and an even greater person.

John Christie and Naomi Schalit are chosen for the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame in recognition of their exceptional contributions to Maine journalism. Together, they co-founded the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting (MCPIR) in 2009, a pioneering nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism that has significantly strengthened the state’s media landscape. Their vision and leadership helped establish an independent news organization that delivered high-impact, free reporting on critical issues like politics, education, and the environment. Under their stewardship, MCPIR and its publication Pine Tree Watch—now The Maine Monitor—earned numerous awards, including multiple Publick Occurrences honors. Their work has inspired statewide support, with the organization’s reporting used by media outlets across Maine. John and Naomi’s ongoing dedication to transparent, nonpartisan journalism played a pivotal role in reshaping Maine’s news ecosystem.

For more information please visit www.nenpa.com.

Mark Your Calendars! New England Journalist Networking Event February 11 in Boston

Join fellow New England journalists on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, for an evening of networking, conversation, and collaboration at Tiki Rock in Boston. This exciting event is open to all media professionals across the region and offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues and expand your professional network.

This gathering is organized by the New England Society of News Editors, the Boston Association of Black Journalists, the New England chapters of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA), and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, with support from the NENPA (New England Newspaper & Press Association). Together, these organizations are creating a space for meaningful connections and professional growth.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Tiki Rock, 2 Broad St., Boston
💰 Cost: FREE

What to Expect:

  • A vibrant setting for networking
  • A cash bar
  • The chance to meet journalists from a variety of news organizations

Whether you’re a veteran journalist or just starting your career, this event is the perfect chance to mingle, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships in the industry.

Spread the word and bring your colleagues! To RSVP or for more information, email emily.sweeney@globe.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Academy of New England Journalists announces the recipients of the 2025 Yankee Quill Award

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.

New England Newspaper Convention Rooms Now Available – Reserve Today!

We are thrilled to announce that the annual New England Newspaper Convention will take place on March 28-29, 2025, and this year we’re making an exciting change by moving to a new location in Portland, Maine!

Deluxe hotel rooms are now available at the exclusive event rate of $199 per night at the historic Portland Regency Hotel & Spa, located at 20 Milk St, Portland, ME 04101.

As a distinguished member of the Historic Hotels of America, this charming venue offers limited availability, so book your stay today to secure your spot!

Located just two blocks from Portland’s working waterfront and nestled in the heart of the historic Old Port Exchange, the Portland Regency Hotel & Spa provides the perfect setting to inspire and educate newspaper professionals from across New England.

Join us for two days of engaging workshops, panel discussions, and keynote presentations covering the latest trends and challenges in journalism, advertising, audience development, and more. The full program will be released soon, so stay tuned for details!

Don’t wait—rooms are limited, and this event is not to be missed! Reserve your stay now and be part of this dynamic convention. Please use code 2504NENEWS when booking your room.

We’re also excited to continue our tradition of celebrating excellence in the industry. Throughout the convention, we will honor the best in New England journalism with our ticketed award programs, including, March 28 – New England Newspaper Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, March 29 – Yankee Quill Award Luncheon, and our largest event of the year on March 29 – Better Newspaper Competition Awards Banquet.

If you have any questions about the event, feel free to reach out to NENPA Executive Director, Linda Conway, at L.Conway@nenpa.com.

We look forward to welcoming you to Portland in March! Let’s make this convention unforgettable.

Interested in sponsoring the event?

Schedule a meeting now to discuss our sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities. Promote your product or service to publishers, editors, and top advertising, production, and circulation executives at the daily, weekly, specialty, and online newspapers serving Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont.

Contact Tara Cleary at t.cleary@nenpa.com or (617) 520-4585 to learn more about our sponsorship packages.

Applications open for New Hampshire’s Largest Student Journalism Award

The Brodsky Prize was established seven years ago by the late Jeffrey Brodsky and his father, Howard, to encourage innovation by student journalists. The $5000 Prize is open to all high school students attending public, charter, or parochial schools in New Hampshire.

Judging criteria include a student’s journalistic initiative and enterprise, as well as what the late Jeffrey Brodsky called “a contrarian nature and out-of-the-box thinking.” 

The deadline for applications is April 28, 2025.

Jeffrey Brodsky said of student journalism, “Working on the school newspaper was the most formative and meaningful high school experience for me — more than any classroom. It’s more important than ever for young journalists to push boundaries and to challenge authority, and they can start by using the power of their school paper just like the press in the professional world.” 

The Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications, helps oversee the award program and provides one of the judges, Executive Director Laura Simoes. Longtime judges are Howard Brodsky, Jeffrey’s father, and Co-founder & Chairman of CCA Global Partners; Misbah Tahir, former Little Green co-editor, now a biotechnology finance executive; former NH Union Leader and Sunday News president and publisher Joseph McQuaid, and Leah Todd Lin, VP of Audience Strategy for NH Public Radio.

More information on The Brodsky Prize, including past winners and application, is available at thebrodskyprize.org.

NENPA along with press groups successfully argue against forced disclosure of reporter’s notes in Karen Read Case

Read the amicus memorandum filed on Jan. 30.

NENPA along with press groups successfully argued that both federal and state constitutional law prevent a Massachusetts court from forcing a reporter to disclose her notes from an interview with Karen Read, the defendant in a high-profile murder trial that has attracted national attention.

Prosecutors in the case were seeking notes that Gretchen Voss, a reporter for Boston Magazine, took during an interview with Read. The contents of these notes have not been published and likely contain Voss’s internal impressions, reactions and thoughts as the interview unfolded.

In his decision, Judge Cannone ruled:

“Voss has articulated a compelling argument that requiring disclosure of the notes poses a greater risk to the free flow of information than the other materials produced. Conversely, the Commonwealth has not demonstrated to the Court that its need for the handwritten notes, separate from the audio recordings, outweighs the danger posed to the public interest in the free flow of information.”

NEFAC, the Massachusetts Newspapers Publishers Association, NENPA and the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press filed an amicus memorandum on Jan. 30 explaining that:

“Under these circumstances, the government’s intrusion into entirely confidential communications between a reporter and source, including the thought processes and work product of a journalist, unjustifiably intrudes on First Amendment interests and, as precedent, would unnecessarily chill the newsgathering process.”

Read the amicus memorandum filed on Jan. 30.

Many states have reporter shield laws that explicitly protect journalists from forced disclosure of their notes and sources. While Massachusetts does not have such statutory protections, its state constitution along with the First Amendment often prevents confidential information from being disclosed.

Read more

Poynter launches membership program to mark 50th anniversary

The nonprofit Poynter Institute, which works to strengthen journalism in service to truth and democracy, has launched a new membership program for those allied with Poynter’s mission.

The program offers annual, tax-deductible membership levels that support Poynter’s journalism training, ethics programs, media literacy, fact-checking, convenings and coverage of the news media industry. It launches this month, as Poynter embarks on a yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2025.

Poynter members will enjoy special opportunities to hear from experts on important issues facing the news industry, as well as receive exclusive communications, discounts, preferred access to Poynter events and more.

The membership program can be accessed here. All donors to Poynter will be recognized as members of Poynter’s First Amendment Society.

  • Donors between $50 and $249 per year receive an exclusive monthly member newsletter and early access to Poynter events, including Poynter’s annual Bowtie Ball.
  • Donors from $250 to $999 receive the above benefits plus 20 percent off select online courses and quarterly virtual meet-and-greets with Poynter experts on current media topics.
  • Donors at $1,000 and above receive those perks, a Poynter sweatshirt and will be recognized annually on Poynter’s digital donor wall and in the annual impact report.
  • Donors of $25,000 or more will be invited to an appreciation dinner with Poynter’s president.

Read more

Apply now for new Poynter course on Covering Child Welfare

Poynter has a new course designed for journalists who want to deepen their connection with their communities and expand their audience by covering the critical issues surrounding child protection and the foster care system.

Participants have the opportunity to create a new beat in order to accurately report on the systemic challenges impacting families, such as workforce shortages, judicial failures, and the overuse of foster care in cases that could be resolved through family support. Reporter and editor teams will learn how to tell compelling, community-focused stories that resonate with readers and address the issues that matter most.

Through this series of 6 online group seminars, attendees will gain the knowledge and tools to build trust, engagement, and increase readership while driving meaningful public discourse.

Funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation and delivered by the Poynter Institute and Resolve Philly, we will train 50 people (25 newsrooms) on how to responsibly cover child welfare issues over the course of six virtual webinars.

Overview

  • The application deadline is Feb. 14, 2025, and newsrooms will be selected on Feb. 19, 2025.
  • Teams of two will apply to participate in the program. One person should apply per newsroom and will represent the duo.
  • Open to U.S.-based newsrooms.
  • All participants will meet together virtually six times for up to two hours.
  • This transformational program and the custom coaching would normally cost $10,000.
  • Thanks to a generous grant from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, this course is offered for free to selected applicants.

Learn more

How the Maine Trust for Local News Grew Their Branded Content Business 3-Fold in 2024

Join the Big Branded Call on January 22 at 1 ET to hear the inspiring success story of the Maine Trust for Local News! In 2024, they achieved an incredible milestone, growing their branded content business threefold through strategic innovation, focused sales efforts, and a commitment to delivering value to their partners. This is your chance to learn firsthand how they turned challenges into opportunities, exceeded expectations, and set a new standard for revenue growth in the media industry.

During the call, the Maine team will showcase some of the innovative interactive campaigns that fueled their success. These campaigns captivated audiences and delivered measurable results for their clients, highlighting the power of creativity and collaboration in branded content. Whether you’re looking for ideas to inspire your own campaigns or strategies to level up your sales goals, their presentation promises actionable insights and exciting takeaways.

This is your chance to hear powerful insights from the Maine Trust for Local News and get an exclusive look at some of their campaigns. This month’s Big Branded Call will inspire and equip you with ideas you can use—register now at this link to join us!

Report for America announces 100+ newsroom partners and the opening of new corps member applications

Report for America recently announced several new partnership and program developments designed to bring immediate and long-term solutions to the challenges facing local news.

Over 100 newsrooms will make up the 2025-2026 cohort, with three-quarters partnering with Report for America as traditional host newsrooms for corps members, and a select group taking part in a pilot accelerator program to develop sustainable business models through local philanthropy.

New Local Newsroom Partners and Accelerator Program Participants

The 66 incoming host newsroom partners represent some of the highest need areas for local news. Highlights of this cohort include the following:

  • A majority (59%) are small newsrooms, with nine or fewer editorial staffers. The rest are largely midsize newsrooms of 10 to 49 editorial staffers.
  • Coverage of rural communities, the environment and local government are the most requested beats of this group.
  • 65% are nonprofit newsrooms; 35% are for profit.
  • More than half (57%) are new newsroom partners with Report for America; the rest have had one or more corps members previously.

Find the list of incoming host newsroom partners and available journalist positions here.

Corps Member Applications Open

With host newsrooms selected, journalists are invited to apply for open positions by February 3, 2025. The Report for America model pairs the skills and passion of diverse, next generation reporters, photographers and videographers with local news organizations across the country.

Through their newsroom experience and Report for America training and mentorship, corps members create real impact in the communities they serve.

Read more

New England Incoming Host Newsrooms

HARTFORD, CT
Connecticut Public
Beat: Environment and Climate Change in Connecticut
Skills: Writing, Radio / Podcast, TV / Video, Photography

BANGOR, ME
Bangor Daily News
Beat: Rural government
Skills: Writing, TV / Video, Photography

SOUTH PORTLAND, ME
Portland Press Herald
Beat: Indigenous communities in Maine
Skills: Writing

HALLOWELL, ME
The Maine Monitor
Beat: Religion, politics, & society in Maine
Skills: Writing

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE
Concord Monitor/Monadnock Ledger Transcript
Beat: New Hampshire state government, politics and democracy
Skills: Data
Reporter: Charlotte Matherly

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
The Public’s Radio
Beat: Democracy and politics in Rhode Island
Skills: Bilingual Spanish, Radio/Podcast
Reporter: Paul C. Kelly Campos

BURLINGTON, VT
Seven Days
Beat: Vermont’s Immigrant and refugee communities and life along the northern border.
Skills: Writing, Photography

MONTPELIER, VERMONT
Vermont Public/VTDigger
Beat: Housing and infrastructure
Skills: Radio/Podcast, TV/Video
Reporter: Carly Berlin

MONTPELIER, VT
VTDigger
Beat: Wealth, poverty, and economic inequality
Skills: Writing