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.