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.