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.
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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.
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Looking to expand your business, strengthen your brand, and connect directly with decision-makers in the newspaper industry? Join us as a sponsor or exhibitor at the 2026 New England Newspaper Convention & Trade Show, taking place March 13–14 in a new location at The Venue at Portwalk Place in Portsmouth, NH.
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