The New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA) honored three distinguished journalists and industry leaders with induction into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame during a celebratory dinner at the 2026 New England Newspaper Convention, held March 13 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The 2026 honorees — Jackie Majerus of Youth Journalism International, Steve Milone of North of Boston Media Group, and Lawrence “Poody” Walsh of the Eagle Times — were recognized for careers defined by excellence, service, and an enduring commitment to community journalism.

“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. “They represent the very best of New England journalism, and 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 industry across the six New England states.

Jackie Majerus, a veteran journalist and educator, was recognized for her lifelong commitment to mentoring the next generation of reporters. After a 25-year career marked by award-winning investigative work and a principled stand for newsroom integrity, she co-founded Youth Journalism International in 1994. Under her leadership, the organization has mentored and published more than 750 young journalists from around the world, building a global community grounded in strong reporting, ethics, and press freedom.

Steve Milone, Audience Director for North of Boston Media Group, was honored for more than four decades of leadership in circulation and audience development. Known for his expertise in subscription strategy, customer service, and team building, Milone has played a critical role in strengthening both print and digital audiences across the region. His influence extends beyond his organization through his leadership in industry groups and his mentorship of colleagues throughout New England.

Lawrence “Poody” Walsh, a legendary sports editor who devoted more than 50 years to community journalism, was honored for his lasting impact on local sports coverage and the journalists he mentored. Walsh was unable to attend the ceremony, and his award was accepted on his behalf by Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston, who covers the New England Patriots. Curran shared personal reflections on working for Walsh early in his career, describing the lessons he learned under Walsh’s guidance and the lasting influence Walsh had on his development as a journalist.

Throughout his career at the Eagle Times, Walsh earned a reputation for his dedication to local sports and his commitment to fairness and integrity. 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. His legacy continues through the many journalists he mentored and inspired.

The Hall of Fame dinner was one of several highlights of the annual convention, bringing together newspaper professionals from across New England for two days of learning, collaboration, and celebration.

Enjoy some photos from the event below.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Portsmouth for the 2026 New England Newspaper Convention and the Better Newspaper Competition Awards Banquet on March 14. We are grateful to all of the attendees, speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors who helped make this year’s gathering such a success.

Annually, the Better Newspaper Competition Awards recognize the dedication and talent of the journalists, editors, photographers, designers, and teams who make it all possible.

Below are the presentations that were shown during the awards banquet. The full results, including the judges’ comments, will be released later in the week.

ADVERTISING AWARDS

COLLEGE AWARDS

EDITORIAL AWARDS CATEGORIES A-I

EDITORIAL AWARDS CATEGORIES L-END

Publishers, editors, reporters, and newsroom leaders from across New England will gather March 13–14 in Portsmouth, NH, for the 2026 New England Newspaper Convention & Trade Show at The Venue at Portwalk Place. The full convention program is now available, featuring a strong lineup of sessions and speakers focused on practical learning, collaboration, and the future of local journalism.

Important deadlines are approaching.

The Better Newspaper Competition Awards Banquet on Saturday evening is now sold out, but there is still time to secure seats for two of the convention’s signature events. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Dinner and the Yankee Quill Awards Luncheon are available until 2:00 pm today.

On Friday evening, March 13, NENPA will induct three distinguished leaders into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame: Jackie Majerus of Youth Journalism International (Auburn, ME), Steve Milone of North of Boston Media Group (North Andover, MA), and Lawrence “Poody” Walsh of the Eagle Times (Claremont, NH). The Hall of Fame honors individuals whose careers reflect extraordinary service to their newspapers, communities, and the journalism profession across New England.

The Yankee Quill Awards Luncheon on Saturday, March 14, will recognize four journalists for their exceptional contributions to journalism in the region: Wayne Braverman, Katherine McCabe of The Boston Globe, Judy Meyer of The Maine Monitor, and Rex Rhoades of the Sun Journal. The Academy of New England Journalists will also present a posthumous Yankee Quill Award to Nathan Hale, owner of The Boston Daily Advertiser, Boston’s first daily newspaper.

Registration to attend the learning sessions on Friday and Saturday closes at noon on Tuesday, March 10, and individual or group registration is required to participate in the sessions.

For those planning their stay in Portsmouth, rooms are still available at two hotels located just steps from the convention venue. To inquire about availability, contact Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown at (603) 430-3033 or Residence Inn by Marriott Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront at (603) 422-9200.

Review the full program, explore the sessions and speakers, connect with our generous sponsors, and finalize your plans to join colleagues from across the region for two days dedicated to the craft, impact, and future of local journalism.

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Join publishers, editors, reporters, and newsroom leaders from across New England for two days of practical learning, collaboration, and celebration at the 2026 New England Newspaper Convention & Trade Show, March 13–14 in Portsmouth, NH, at The Venue at Portwalk Place.

The initial program is now available below, with additional session details and the amazing lineup of speakers to be added soon to help you plan your visit.

Hotel rooms are still available — but don’t wait.

The Hampton Inn & Suites Portsmouth Downtown has limited rooms remaining at our special rates of two Queen beds at $169 per night, and King rooms at $209 per night for Thursday and Friday nights. Use this link to book online.

We’ve also added a second hotel steps from the venue: Residence Inn by Marriott Portsmouth Downtown/Waterfront, which will honor our convention room block rate and currently has availability for all nights. To reserve at the Residence Inn, call (603) 422-9200 and mention the NENPA Convention.

The Better Newspaper Competition Awards Banquet will take place Saturday evening, March 14. Tickets are selling fast, don’t sleep on it, we do expect a sellout! Tickets are also still on sale for the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame Dinner on March 13 and the Yankee Quill Awards Luncheon on March 14.

Please note: individual or group convention registration is required to attend the learning sessions on both Friday and Saturday.

The deadline to purchase all tickets is Friday, March 6!

Review the program below and secure your registration, hotel room, and event tickets today.

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Friday, March 13

9:00 – 10:15 AM

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone: Collaboration & Tools for Today’s Newsrooms – How collaboration and smart tools can strengthen reporting, streamline workflows, and spark innovation across newsrooms.

The Power of the Obituary – Craft meaningful, accurate life stories while understanding the business realities behind obituary revenue.

10:30  – 11:45 AM

Newsletters That Work – Proven strategies for audience growth and revenue through engaging, well-targeted newsletters.

Turning Data into Headlines Using Google Gemini + Pinpoint – A hands-on look at using AI and document tools to analyze large datasets and surface publishable stories faster.

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

News Without a Newsroom – A screening of the film and discussion with the filmmaker exploring journalism’s uncertain future in an era of misinformation and newsroom closures.

Session Break and Lunch on your own

1:30 – 2:45 PM

State of the Industry – Industry benchmarks and actionable insights shaping the evolving media revenue landscape.

TikTok, Reels, and Video Storytelling for Newsrooms – How to use short-form video strategically to extend reporting while maintaining newsroom standards.

FOI That Works / The Ask – Practical, hard-won strategies for obtaining public records from reluctant government agencies.

3:00 – 5:00 PM

Press Freedom Panel: Who Protects the Press When Government Is the Threat? – A critical discussion on legal protections and threats facing journalists today.

6:00 – 7:00 PM

Convention Reception and Hall of Fame Cocktail Party (cash bar)

7:00 PM

New England Newspaper Hall of Fame Induction Dinner – Purchase Tickets

Saturday, March 14

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Trust in News Is at a Crossroads—but the Comeback Starts Here – A blueprint for rebuilding credibility through visible journalistic values and objective reporting.

Social Media Strategies for Newsrooms of Every Size – Adaptable, scalable social media strategies that work for small and large newsrooms alike.

10:30 – 11:45 AM

Next Gen News 2 – Insights into emerging news consumer behavior and how publishers can prepare for 2030.

Immigration and ICE Reporting Now – Frontline strategies for covering immigration enforcement accurately, ethically, and safely.

Session Break and Lunch on your own

12:00 – 2:00 PM

Yankee Quill Awards Luncheon – Purchase Tickets

1:00 – 2:15 PM

Independent News Sustainability: Building Revenue That Lasts – Candid lessons on diversifying revenue and building durable, community-supported journalism.

Trauma in the Newsroom: Covering Hard News Without Burning Out – Evidence-based approaches to coping with stress, trauma, and burnout in journalism.

2:30 – 3:45 PM

Accelerating Research & Ensuring Trust with Google NotebookLM + SynthID – Using AI tools to organize research efficiently while strengthening verification and transparency.

The Making of a Major Story – Award-winning journalists discuss the reporting process behind major investigative projects.

“Words Matter” — Language Choices That Shape Trust – How framing and word choice influence audience perception and newsroom credibility.

6:00 – 7:00 PM

Convention Reception and Awards Banquet Cocktail Party (cash bar)

7:00 PM

New England Better Newspaper Awards Banquet – Purchase Tickets

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.