The New England First Amendment Coalition is excited to announce the expansion of NEFAC Mentors through partnerships with the New England Newspaper & Press Association and the Society of Professional Journalists New England Chapter.

NEFAC launched the mentorship program in 2022 to help reporters, editors, and producers looking for guidance in a variety of professional areas by matching them with a veteran journalist with relevant expertise. Since its launch, the program has facilitated nearly 50 long-term, individualized mentorships.

“NEFAC Mentors was an invaluable experience,” said one participant. “My mentor was readily available to talk through story ideas, provide feedback on pieces and help me think about what is next for my career. As a new journalist in their first job, I’m grateful for the resources this program offered and the time and generosity of my mentor.”

NENPA and SPJ New England — both of whom have large regional memberships — will work with NEFAC to expand the program and provide mentorship opportunities to more journalists in the area.

Learn more about the program.

The New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA) will induct three distinguished journalists and industry leaders into the New England  Newspaper Hall of Fame in 2026, recognizing careers defined by excellence, service, and an enduring commitment to community journalism. 

The 2026 honorees are: 

• Jackie Majerus, Youth Journalism International, Auburn, Maine 
• Steve Milone, North of Boston Media Group, North Andover, Massachusetts
• Lawrence “Poody” Walsh, Eagle Times, Claremont, New Hampshire 

“These three individuals have left fingerprints all over New England’s newsrooms — in the stories they’ve told, the audiences they’ve built and the young reporters they’ve mentored,” said  Linda Conway, executive director of NENPA. “Jackie Majerus, Steve Milone, and Lawrence Walsh represent the very best of New England journalism. We are proud to recognize their  careers.”

The New England Newspaper Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their newspapers, their communities, and the newspaper industry in the six New  England states. The 2026 inductees will be formally recognized at a celebratory dinner at  NENPA’s annual convention on March 13, 2026. Tickets can be purchased at this link, or download a mail-in reservation form at this link.

Jackie Majerus is a veteran journalist and dedicated educator, Jackie Majerus has shaped the next generation of reporters in New England and around the world. After a 25-year career marked by award-winning investigative work and a principled stand for newsroom integrity, she turned her focus to Youth Journalism International, the nonprofit she co-founded in 1994.

Under her leadership, Youth Journalism International has mentored and published more than 750 young journalists from dozens of countries, creating a respected global training ground grounded in strong reporting, ethics and press freedom. A recipient of the Global Youth & News Media Prize and the Journalism Education Association’s “Friend of Scholastic Journalism” honor, Majerus has built a vibrant international newsroom community. Her lasting impact is reflected in the hundreds of journalists whose careers — and confidence — began under her guidance.

Steve Milone, the Audience Director for North of Boston Media Group, is among New England’s most respected leaders in circulation and audience development, with more than 40 years in the newspaper industry.

A champion of customer service and smart subscription strategy, Milone has strengthened both print and digital audiences across multiple markets by blending delivery models, improving onboarding and retention practices, and building loyal, high-performing teams. A past president of the New England Association of Circulation Executives and a longtime volunteer judge for regional contests, his influence extends well beyond his own newsroom. Admired for his expertise, steady leadership and humility, Milone has played a vital role in sustaining and growing newspaper audiences throughout the region.

Lawrence “Poody” Walsh devoted more than 50 years to community journalism, becoming a legendary sports editor in the Twin-State region of Vermont and New Hampshire. He began as a teenage pressman and rose to lead the Eagle Times sports department for 33 years, earning a reputation for hard work, sharp writing and an unwavering commitment to local coverage.

Whether covering a small-town girls’ basketball game or the Hall of Fame career of Carlton Fisk, Walsh brought the same intensity, fairness and respect to every story. A pioneer in giving girls’ athletics equal attention, he is the only sportswriter inducted into both the New Hampshire and Vermont high school athletic halls of fame. Just as enduring is his impact as a mentor, shaping generations of journalists with lessons in integrity, accountability and the importance of showing up.

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 Nathan Hale, owner of Boston’s first daily newspaper, The Boston Daily Advertiser, a publication he purchased in 1814, one year after its founding.

“The journalists will be honored with the award in Portsmouth, NH, on March 14, 2026”, said Richard Lodge, chair of the sponsoring Academy of New England Journalists.

The Yankee Quill awards will be presented during the annual convention of the New England Newspaper and Press Association on Saturday, March 14, at The Venue at Portwalk Place in Portsmouth, NH. Tickets can be purchased at this link, or download a mail-in reservation form at this link.

Wayne Braverman will receive the award for a nearly half-century career that exemplifies the very best of community journalism. As a reporter and editor across Eastern and Central Massachusetts, he dedicated himself to informing residents about the issues that most directly affect their lives — from local government and schools to accountability in public office — ensuring that democracy thrives at the grassroots level. A multiple award-winning editor, he also created and led an internationally recognized internship program that mentored hundreds of aspiring journalists, shaping the next generation of the profession. His steadfast commitment to small, local newspapers, his leadership in struggling newsrooms, and his profound influence as a mentor and educator make him a deeply deserving recipient of the Yankee Quill Award.

Katherine McCabe is honored for her three decades of outstanding service to The Boston Globe and her extraordinary impact as both a newsroom leader and mentor. As the Globe’s night city editor, she has overseen breaking news coverage during the paper’s most demanding hours, guiding reporting on homicides, fires, political developments, and other major events with precision, calm, and unwavering standards for accuracy. A former reporter who contributed to the Globe’s Pulitzer Prize–winning coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing, she pairs deep reporting experience with exceptional editorial judgment. She has mentored generations of young journalists—many of whom have gone on to prominent careers—instilling in them rigor, resilience, and a commitment to ethical reporting. Her leadership inside the newsroom, advocacy for journalists through union service, and dedication to strengthening the profession have had a broad impact on New England journalism.

Judy Meyer is recognized for her extraordinary, decades-long commitment to excellence in reporting, newsroom leadership, and unwavering defense of the First Amendment. Over nearly 35 years, she has led multiple Maine newsrooms with integrity and courage, producing award-winning investigative journalism that has exposed government failures, strengthened communities, and held the powerful accountable. A fierce advocate for public access, she has shaped right-to-know laws, championed open courts, and founded and led key transparency organizations, becoming one of Maine’s most trusted authorities on freedom of information. Just as importantly, she has mentored generations of journalists, inspired colleagues across New England, and consistently demonstrated that rigorous, ethical journalism is essential to democracy. Her lasting impact on both the craft and the cause of journalism makes her eminently deserving of this honor.

Rex Rhoades receives the prestigious Yankee Quill award for a 40-year career defined by fearless watchdog reporting, visionary newsroom leadership, and an unwavering commitment to public service journalism. As executive editor of the Sun Journal in Lewiston, Maine, for nearly two decades, he led award-winning investigations that exposed government secrecy, strengthened public access laws, improved school safety statewide, and informed readers on issues ranging from economic development to public health. A Maine Press Association Journalist of the Year, Rhoades consistently championed open government, challenged powerful institutions, and guided his newsroom through profound industry change with integrity and high standards. His work not only elevated the quality and impact of local journalism in Maine but also demonstrated the transformative power of a free press in shaping stronger, more informed communities.

Nathan Hale is the Yankee Quill Award’s historical honoree, the influential 19th-century Boston journalist and publisher whose leadership helped shape American journalism during a formative era for the nation and the press. As editor of the Boston Daily Advertiser, Hale championed thoughtful public discourse, civic responsibility, and the vital role of a free press in a democratic society. His enduring legacy reflects the highest ideals of journalism — integrity, intellectual rigor, and a steadfast commitment to informing the public — making him a fitting recipient of this prestigious honor.

The Yankee Quill Award, 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.

In an evolving media landscape, preparing the next generation of journalists has never been more important. The New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA) and the New England First Amendment Coalition (NEFAC) are proud to offer a joint Academic Partnership designed to engage, inspire, and elevate students, faculty, and staff across New England’s colleges and universities.

At a time when press freedom, accountability, and public trust are under increasing pressure, the 2026 NENPA–NEFAC Academic Partnership provides meaningful, real-world exposure to the professional and ethical foundations of journalism.

The partnership includes access to two cornerstone events:

NENPA’s 2026 New England Newspaper Convention
March 13–14, 2026 | Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Held at The Venue at Portwalk Place, the convention offers a dynamic learning environment featuring workshops, panels, and networking opportunities with working journalists, editors, and media leaders. Students and faculty will gain insight into emerging trends, newsroom innovation, and the future of local journalism.

NEFAC’s 16th Annual New England First Amendment Awards
Boston | Date to be announced
This prestigious evening honors individuals and organizations who defend free speech, transparency, and the public’s right to know. Attendees will experience a powerful celebration of First Amendment values, including dinner and the opportunity to engage with leaders in press freedom advocacy.

Academic Partnership Benefits Include:

• Unlimited access for students, faculty, and staff to all NENPA Convention workshops and sessions

• Two tickets to NENPA’s Journalism Awards Banquet

• Professional résumé and photography reviews for students at the NENPA Convention

• Admission for two to NEFAC’s New England First Amendment Awards, including a private dinner

• Exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity with NEFAC’s Hamblett Award recipient

• Ongoing sponsorship recognition before, during, and after the NENPA Convention

• Inclusion in NEFAC’s Awards Ceremony program and dedicated event webpage

• Prominent branding across NENPA and NEFAC promotional materials

The Academic Partnership is available for $1,500, with a response deadline of Friday, February 27, 2026.

Join us in strengthening journalism education, supporting press freedom, and empowering the voices shaping the future of our democracy.

For more information or to secure participation, please contact Tara Cleary at t.cleary@nenpa.com

Registration is now open for the 2026 New England Newspaper Convention & Trade Show, taking place March 13–14 at a new location, The Venue at Portwalk Place in Portsmouth, NH. The annual gathering brings together publishers, editors, and newsroom leaders from across New England for two days of practical programming, networking, and celebration of journalistic excellence.

Better Newspaper Competition Award notifications will begin going out this weekend, with winners formally recognized during the Better Newspaper Competition Awards Banquet on Saturday evening, March 14, the largest gathering of the convention.

Register Now

Hotel Rooms Available — Time to Book Your Stay

Planning to attend the convention? Now is the time to book your hotel accommodations. The official NENPA room block is open at the Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown.

Discounted convention rates include:

• Two queen beds: $169 per night
• King room: $209 per night
  (plus standard taxes and fees; hot breakfast included)

Rooms are limited, and attendees are encouraged to book early to secure their preferred room type.

NENPA Room Block March 13-14, 2026

Program Highlights

This year’s convention will feature a forward-looking, practical program focused on the ideas and skills newsrooms need to thrive in a changing media landscape.

Sessions will include:

• Immigration and ICE Reporting Now
• Collaboration & Newsroom Tools Panel
• Turning Data into Headlines using Google Gemini + Pinpoint
• Accelerating Research & Ensuring Trust with Google NotebookLM and SynthID
• Nonprofit newsroom sustainability
• Social Media Strategies for Newsrooms of Every Size
• 10 Ways to Use AI for Sales Prospecting
• The Power of the Obituary
• FOIA that Works
• How You Learn the Court Beat
• Strategies for Engaging Younger Audiences
• Column Writing in 2026
• News Without a Newsroom (film screening)

Additional sessions are still being finalized. Stay tuned for program updates and register today!