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.
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.
Mike Bello 
Randy Capitani 
Gloria Negri 
Jacqueline Smith,
Henry and Benjamin Lindsey
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Join the Big Branded Call 
NENPA along with press groups successfully argue against forced disclosure of reporter’s notes in Karen Read Case
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.
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