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Congratulations to the 2024 Better Newspaper Competition Winners

The New England Newspaper & Press Association proudly congratulates all the winners of the 2024 Better Newspaper Competition! The awards were presented on March 29 in Portland, Maine, during a celebration of the region’s finest in journalism.

As New England’s largest journalism recognition program, the Better Newspaper Competition highlights the incredible talent, passion, and dedication that go into producing outstanding publications. Each year, this prestigious competition offers newspaper professionals the opportunity to be recognized for their exceptional work—work that informs, inspires, and strengthens our communities.

We applaud all the winning journalists, photographers, designers, editors, graphic artists, and teams whose work stood out in a competitive field. Your commitment to excellence in local journalism is vital to the health of our democracy and the vibrancy of our region.

Please view the presentations from the Awards Banquet below and download the 2024 Better Newspaper Competition Award Winners.

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Mark Your Calendar for Spring 2025 Journalist Meetups in Boston!

After another successful networking night in March, the monthly journalist meetup series continues in Boston this spring with three exciting events designed to help media professionals connect and collaborate in relaxed, social settings.

Spring 2025 Meetup Schedule:

📍 Tuesday, April 8 – The Dubliner, Boston
Join fellow journalists at The Dubliner, a cozy pub conveniently located near the Government Center MBTA stop, from 6 to 8 p.m. It’s a great spot to grab a drink, share ideas, and grow your local media network.

🎤 Tuesday, May 13 – Karaoke Night at Cathedral Station
Unwind and belt out your favorite tunes with colleagues at Cathedral Station (1222 Washington St., Boston). The karaoke kicks off at 9 p.m., but feel free to come by earlier and mingle!

🌺 Tuesday, June 10 – Tiki Tuesday at Tiki Rock
Celebrate the start of summer with a tropical twist! Head to Tiki Rock on Broad Street in Boston for Tiki Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Expect good vibes, fun cocktails, and great conversation.

These meetups are open to all journalists and media professionals in the region, and organized by the New England Society of News Editors, the Boston Association of Black Journalists, the New England chapters of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA), the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, with support from the New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA). Together, these organizations are creating a space for meaningful connections and professional growth.

Whether you’re a seasoned reporter or just starting your journalism career, these events offer a fun, casual way to meet peers, exchange ideas, and build community.

Spread the word and bring your colleagues! To RSVP or for more information, email emily.sweeney@globe.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Journalists Honored with Yankee Quill Award in Portland

The 2025 Yankee Quill Awards Luncheon, held on March 29 at The Portland Regency Hotel in Maine, honored four outstanding journalists and two historical figures for their lasting contributions to the profession. Presented by the Academy of New England Journalists, the Yankee Quill is the region’s highest individual honor, recognizing those who have shown exceptional dedication to the craft and values of journalism.

Mike Bello
A veteran editor and reporter, Bello was recognized for nearly 50 years of impactful journalism, including his work at The Boston Globe and his role in the Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

Randy Capitani
Co-publisher of the Deerfield Valley News, Capitani was honored for his decades of service to local journalism in Vermont and his leadership in regional press associations.

Gloria Negri
Awarded posthumously, the late Gloria Negri broke barriers at The Boston Globe, where she spent 53 years giving voice to the underrepresented and mentoring generations of reporters.

Jacqueline Smith
With a career spanning over 40 years, Smith has been a fierce advocate for press freedom, including her role as ombudsman for Stars and Stripes and her ongoing work defending the First Amendment.

Henry and Benjamin Lindsey
The Lindsey brothers were honored posthumously for founding and publishing the Whalemen’s Shipping List, a vital maritime newspaper during the golden age of American whaling.

Scroll down for photo highlights from this year’s Yankee Quill Awards celebration.

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Four Honored at New England Newspaper Hall of Fame Induction in Portland

Four distinguished journalists were inducted into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame during a celebratory dinner held on March 28 in Portland, Maine.

The 2025 inductees are:​

  • Stephen Kurkjian, a three-time Pulitzer Prize winner renowned for his investigative reporting with The Boston Globe’s Spotlight team.​
  • Paul Pronovost, former editor of the Cape Cod Times, recognized for his leadership and dedication to community journalism.​
  • Naomi Schalit and John Christie, co-founders of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, were celebrated for their commitment to investigative journalism and public service.​

Maine Governor Janet Mills attended the event to show her support for inductees Naomi Schalit and John Christie. In her remarks, she spoke passionately about the threats facing the country—including risks to national security and the economy—but said what terrifies her most is the potential loss of the First Amendment. “When it goes,” she warned, “we won’t even know that it’s gone because you won’t be there to report it.” Acknowledging the often complicated relationship between the press and public officials, she closed by expressing her deep respect for journalists and urging them to keep doing their essential work.

The Hall of Fame dinner, held in conjunction with the 2025 New England Newspaper Convention, brought together family, friends, and colleagues to honor the achievements and legacies of these remarkable journalists.

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.

Scroll down to view scenes from the evening.

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Sunshine Week 2025: Celebrating Open Government and the Public’s Right to Know

As Sunshine Week approaches, news organizations are encouraged to recognize this important initiative by running editorials, cartoons, and content that highlights the value of government transparency and the public’s right to know.

Taking place from March 16-22, 2025, Sunshine Week serves as a reminder that open government is crucial for democracy. The initiative, encourages journalists, educators, and community leaders to engage their audiences on the importance of public records access.

Newspapers and media outlets play a vital role in promoting these values. By publishing thought-provoking editorials or powerful cartoons during Sunshine Week, publications can educate their readers about how transparency impacts everything from local budgets to public safety. Highlighting successful public records investigations or sharing tips for citizens on filing FOIA requests are great ways to engage readers.

The event is also an opportunity for civic groups, educators, and community organizations to hold discussions, host forums, and collaborate with local media to promote government accountability.

Local Events Include:
Understanding the NH Right-To-Know RSA 91a Law
Access & Advocacy: Using RI Open Government Resources for Civic Engagement

Sunshine Week is coordinated by Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications and supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and other partners.

For resources, editorial ideas, and content to support your Sunshine Week coverage, visit sunshineweek.org.

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Journalism Students Don’t Miss the 2025 Scholarship Deadline – Now April 4

The Journalism Education Foundation of New England (JEFNE) is now accepting applications for its 2025 scholarship program, including the prestigious MacGregor Fiske Award. The program aims to support aspiring journalists from New England as they pursue careers in the field.

JEFNE awards scholarships to up to 10 students annually. To qualify, applicants must be residents of one of the six New England states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Candidates should also be planning to enroll in or currently attending a post-secondary institution with a strong focus on journalism.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume, an academic transcript, and several writing samples showcasing their journalistic skills. Recommendations from teachers, editors, or other mentors are also an important component of the application process. Scholarships only apply to undergraduate education.

The original deadline has been extended to Friday, April 4, 2025, giving students additional time to prepare and submit their materials.

For further details, eligibility requirements, and application instructions, visit https://www.nenpa.com/scholarships/.

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Get Ready for the 2025 New England Newspaper Convention Program!

The 2025 New England Newspaper Convention is happening next week in historic Portland, Maine! Join us March 28-29 in Portland, Maine, for two days of expert-led sessions, networking, and celebrations of the best journalism in New England. We are excited to announce additional sessions and the times for our program lineup below!

Registration for sessions and some special events will remain open through Monday, March 24 at 5:00 pm.

A limited number of rooms are still available at the Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port (just a 3-minute walk to the Convention and Awards Banquet) at $199 per night—to book these rooms please email t.cleary@nenpa.com and let her know you are interested.

Don’t Miss Our Special Events:

Hall of Fame Dinner (Friday, March 28 beginning at 6:00 PM) – The 2025 honorees are Stephen Kurkjian, The Boston Globe, Paul Pronovost, Cape Cod Times and Naomi Schalit and John Christie, Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting.

Yankee Quill Awards Luncheon (Saturday, March 29 beginning at noon) – The recipients are Jacqueline Smith, Hearst Connecticut Media, Mike Bello, The Boston Globe, Gloria Negri, The Boston Globe, Randy Capitani, The Deerfield Valley News and historical figures Henry and Benjamin Lindsey, Whalemen’s Shipping List and Merchants’ Transcript.

SOLD OUT – Journalism Awards Banquet (Saturday, March 29 beginning at 6:00 PM) – Our largest celebratory gathering of the year where we reveal the results of the annual New England Better Newspaper Competition!

For more details visit https://www.nenpa.com/newspaper-convention/ for any questions, email info@nenpa.com. We look forward to learning and celebrating with you in Portland!

Schedule for 2025 New England Newspaper Convention:

Friday, March 28

Sessions – 11:00 am – 12:15 pm

Increasing Your Digital Sales & Closing Ratios – Shannon Kinney, CEO of Dream Local Digital, will share practical strategies to boost your sales success.

30 Tips for Interviewing Techniques – Mike Donoghue of Vermont News First shares practical advice for strengthening your interview skills.

Philanthropy as the Third Leg of the Stool – Discover how grants, donor support, and community partnerships can sustain impactful journalism.

Sessions – 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm

Using AI in Sales and Marketing – Learn how AI can enhance your advertising sales efforts with tips from Kevin Berrier.

Unlocking Data for Local Journalism – Cheryl Phillips from Big Local News will introduce tools to elevate your data-driven reporting.

How Maine Trust For Local News Grew Sponsored Content Revenue 3X – The team from Maine Trust for Local News will discuss their successful branded content initiatives, and their strategic approach that focuses on structure, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Keynote – 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

NENPA Urgent Town Hall: The Fight for the First Amendment – Chaired by NENPA president Aaron Julien and Rob Bertsche. Don’t miss this. In a lively Town Hall-style session, journalists across New England will share what their organizations are doing—and what yours can do, and what we can all do together—to reinforce, at a local and regional level, the vitality of a free press. Come prepared to join the discussion.

Hall of Fame Dinner and Cocktail Reception beginning at 6:00 PM
The Hall of Fame honors newspaper industry heroes whose talent, hard work, and exceptional accomplishments inspire all New England journalists. Join us in congratulating, honoring, and celebrating this year’s four new inductees.

Saturday, March 29

Keynote – 9:00 am – 10:15 am

Counternarratives: Repositioning the News to Examine Editorial Veracity and Fairness – Join artist Alexandra Bell for an insightful session on rethinking and revising news coverage to promote fairness and accuracy. Through her powerful visual works that critique media bias, Bell challenges journalists to examine editorial choices, language, and framing. This session will inspire fresh perspectives on how newsrooms can identify and address bias, ensuring their coverage better reflects truth and equity.

Sessions – 10:30 am – 11:45 am

Sex, Gender, and Local News – Meg Heckman shares tips for providing responsible coverage in polarizing times.

Opening Up the Government: A Reporter’s Toolbox – Learn how to uncover public records and government secrets with First Amendment attorney Sig Schutz.

Double Session – 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

AI Tools for Your Newsroom – Mike Reilley will guide you through free AI tools to enhance reporting and editing.

Fact-Checking Tools and Best Practices – Mike Reilley will provide tools to combat misinformation in post-election coverage.

Yankee Quill Luncheon 12:00 pm – 1:45 pm
This celebration honors six extraordinary individuals for their lifetime of achievement and distinction in New England Journalism. The Academy of New England Journalists will present the prestigious Yankee Quill Award to this year’s inductees.

Sessions – 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm

DEIB + journalism are under attack: how to navigate the current state of play – Emma Carew Grovum, will lead a discussion and brainstorm around best practices in this rapidly evolving and emerging space. Participants will walk away with a co-created list of tips and techniques to bring back to their newsrooms and try immediately.

What Makes a Good Story: Ideas to Help the Writer – Hear from award-winning journalists on crafting compelling stories that readers can’t put down.

Podcasting for Publishers – Learn podcasting strategies from experts Monica Brady-Myerov and Elaine Appleton Grant.

Sessions – 3:30 pm – 4:45 pm

Repositioning the News Workshop – Alexandra Bell will also present an interactive workshop where participants will learn to rethink, revise, redact, and modify news pages and how to deconstruct language and imagery to explore the tension between marginal experiences and dominant histories.

Media Law Refresher (2025 Update) – A fast-paced primer on how your local newsroom, print or online, can stay enterprising while avoiding legal trouble.

Publick Occurrences Winners Panel – Every fall, NENPA honors reporters who produced the past year’s best journalism in New England with Publick Occurrences awards. For our 2025 conference, we bring four of them together on a panel to talk shop. Join this engaging discussion with committed investigative journalists about the high-wire act of getting big projects out the door.

Journalism Awards Banquet and Cocktail Reception beginning at 6:00 PM
Our largest celebratory gathering of the year where we reveal the results of the annual New England Better Newspaper Competition!

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New England Journalists Networking Night – Connect and Collaborate on March 11 in Boston!

Join fellow New England journalists on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, for an evening of networking, conversation, and collaboration at Tiki Rock in Boston. This exciting event is open to all media professionals across the region and offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues and expand your professional network.

This gathering is organized by the New England Society of News Editors, the Boston Association of Black Journalists, the New England chapters of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA), the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists, with support from the New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA). Together, these organizations are creating a space for meaningful connections and professional growth.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
  • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: Tiki Rock, 2 Broad St., Boston
  • Cost: FREE

What to Expect:

  • A vibrant setting for networking
  • A cash bar
  • The chance to meet journalists from a variety of news organizations

Whether you’re a veteran journalist or just starting your career, this event is the perfect chance to mingle, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships in the industry.

Spread the word and bring your colleagues! To RSVP or for more information, email emily.sweeney@globe.com.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Digital Transformation Guide from the American Press Institute

Illustration by Sylvia Asuncion-Crabb
Illustration by Sylvia Asuncion-Crabb

The American Press Institute’s “Digital Transformation Guide” offers a comprehensive roadmap for local news organizations striving to navigate the challenges of the modern media landscape. With the number of U.S. local newspapers dwindling from 8,891 in 2005 to 5,591 in 2024, and over 9,500 journalism professionals facing layoffs since 2021, the guide addresses the pressing need for innovative strategies to sustain and grow local journalism.

Drawing from the experiences of more than 200 local news organizations that participated in the Table Stakes Local News Transformation Program between 2015 and 2024, the guide distills proven strategies into five key areas:

  1. Adopting a Product-Thinking Mindset: Encourages newsrooms to develop products aligned with audience needs, emphasizing continuous innovation and responsiveness.

  2. Diversifying Revenue: Explores alternative income streams beyond traditional advertising and subscriptions, such as events, memberships, and specialized content offerings.

  3. Practicing Engaged Journalism: Highlights the importance of building trust through active community engagement and producing journalism that reflects diverse voices and concerns.

  4. Collaborating Internally and Externally: Advocates for breaking down silos within organizations and forming partnerships with external entities to enhance resource sharing and broaden impact.

  5. Managing People Through Change: Provides insights into effective change management, focusing on leadership, staff development, and fostering a culture adaptable to industry shifts.

Each section of the guide includes practical resources—such as worksheets and checklists—designed to facilitate the immediate application of these strategies within news organizations. By sharing these tested approaches, the American Press Institute aims to empower local news outlets to thrive amidst ongoing industry transformations.

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Judy Meyer resigns as Sun Journal executive editor

Judy Meyer received the New England Society of News Editors Judith Vance Weld Brown Spirit of Journalism Award in 2018.

Judy Meyer, a dedicated journalist and steadfast advocate for press freedom, is stepping down as executive editor of the Sun Journal, Kennebec Journal, and Morning Sentinel. Throughout her career, Meyer has been a powerful voice for government transparency and the public’s right to know, leading impactful investigative reporting and editorial initiatives. Her leadership has strengthened local journalism in Maine, ensuring that critical issues affecting communities receive the attention they deserve.

A longtime member of the New England Newspaper & Press Association (NENPA), Meyer has served on its board for many years and as board president in 2022. She has been widely recognized for her contributions to the industry, receiving numerous awards from NENPA and other organizations, honoring her commitment to journalistic excellence and the principles of open government, including the New England Society of News Editors Judith Vance Weld Brown Spirit of Journalism Award in 2018. Her dedication to freedom of information has made her a respected figure in regional and national press circles.

Meyer’s departure marks the end of an era for the newspapers she has guided with integrity and vision. Her impact, however, will continue to be felt in the journalists she has mentored and the policies she has influenced. As she moves on from her role, her legacy as a champion of the First Amendment and local journalism remains firmly in place.

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