PNA 100th Anniversary Gala Program by Chet Klinedinst

Anniversary Gala

Hershey Country Club

November 14, 2024

President’s Message

William M. Cotter President & CEO

Dear Honored Guests, Colleagues and Friends, Welcome to the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association’s 100th Anniversary Gala.

It is with immense pride and gratitude that we gather here tonight to recognize PNA’s century-long support of news media companies across the commonwealth. As we celebrate this milestone, we also pay tribute to the strength, integrity, and unwavering commitment of every individual and organization that has been a part of this incredible journey.

PNA has been a cornerstone of the Pennsylvania news media landscape, championing journalism excellence, fostering collaboration and upholding the fundamental principles of a free and vibrant press. The rich history we share with our members is filled with remarkable achievements and countless stories — stories of perseverance, courage and progress. Pennsylvania’s news media organizations have chronicled history, connected communities and given voice to the issues that shape our lives. Together we have been at the forefront of innovation, adapting to new technologies and evolving with the times while remaining steadfast in our mission to uphold the truth and preserve the freedom of the press.

As one century of service ends and another begins, our collective passion and commitment will continue. We honor our legacy while we renew our resolve to remain the trusted voice of local journalism for generations to come.

I am deeply honored to be part of this important association and industry, and I thank each one of you — our members, partners, and supporters — for your resolute dedication to our mission.

Thank you for being part of this historic evening. Let us enjoy this night of reflection, recognition, and inspiration as we look forward to the next one hundred years.

Sincerely,

William M. Cotter President & CEO, Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association

5:30 P.M.

Programming

Reception at the Picard Grand Pavilion, Silent Auction Bidding

7:00 P.M.

7:45 P.M.

9:30 P.M.

Welcome Remarks

Dinner Served in the Ballroom

Keynote Speaker

Ben Franklin and Lifetime Achievement Award Presentations

Induction of Hall of Fame Members

100 Year Initiatives

PA Lab for Journalism Funding Awards

Closing Remarks

Auction Winners

Gala Keynote Speaker

Danielle Coffey

President & CEO, News/Media Alliance

We are pleased to welcome Danielle Coffey, president and CEO of the News/Media Alliance, as our Gala keynote speaker. She was recently named to Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2024 list by Washingtonian magazine. Prior to becoming CEO in 2023, Danielle served as executive vice president and general counsel, leading the organization’s advocacy and strategy.

PNA Awards

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOSEPH A. BEEGLE

2024 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENT

The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association is proud to honor Joseph A. Beegle with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dedicating his nearly 40-year career to the news media industry, Joe served the editorial, advertising, and management sides of the business. With a strong work ethic and determination, he rose through the ranks from freelance photographer to sportswriter, sports editor, advertising sales representative, advertising manager, advertising director, publisher and now CEO of Sample Newspaper Group.

Joe understands the enormous impact local newspapers have on their communities and has never lost sight of the goal of producing a top-quality, trusted news product. He credits his wife, Lynnette, and children, Nick and Kelly, for the support they offer as he continues a career he loves.

As he continues to apply the highest journalistic standards to his work and supports local businesses through robust advertising efforts, PNA recognizes Joe Beegle for a lifetime of service and dedication.

CONGRATULATIONS TO PAULA KNUDSEN BURKE

2024

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE RECIPIENT

The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association is proud to honor Paula Knudsen Burke with the 2024 Benjamin Franklin Award for Excellence. Throughout her career, Paula has positioned herself as an advocate for First Amendment rights and government transparency. She has held the role of investigative reporter, editor, lobbyist, media law attorney, instructor, and mentor. Paula is currently an attorney with the nonprofit Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

Paula has litigated successful cases across Pennsylvania pro bono, defending the public’s access to government meetings and open records through Right-To-Know laws. She also dedicates her time to training journalists, government officials and the public on media law issues and the press’ critical role in democracy.

Her commitment to a strong, free, independent press is unmatched. It is for these reasons that PNA is proud to recognize Paula Knudsen Burke for her outstanding service to the news media industry.

Joseph A. Beegle

Paula Knudsen Burke

Hall of Fame

Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Hall of Fame

The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have performed outstanding and distinguished service on behalf of the news media industry in the commonwealth. Hall of Famers have supported PNA, the PNA Foundation and/or MANSI Media, making a positive impact on the mission of these organizations through personal, professional and financial contributions.

Congratulations to the one hundred exemplary individuals who are being inducted into the 2024 PNA Hall of Fame in honor of our 100th anniversary. We thank you and celebrate your service, support, and success.

JOHN BAER PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS

“I cherish the decades spent covering the fun and frolic, ups and downs, and the cast of characters of Pennsylvania politics.”

CATE BARRON PA MEDIA GROUP, HARRISBURG

“It’s an honor to join such illustrious company in the Hall of Fame! Everyone is dedicated to journalism’s vital mission of serving our communities, speaking truth to power, and safeguarding the First Amendment.”

JOSEPH A. BEEGLE SAMPLE MEDIA GROUP

“Reflecting back over the past 40 years and experiencing firsthand the numerous changes our industry has gone through, I am proud to say that servicing our local communities, both readers and advertisers remains our number one goal.”

PAUL A. BENNETT SPIRIT MEDIA GROUP, INC., GLENOLDEN

“As a working journalist since 1972, I realize the profession is as much a calling to ministry as it is a means for employment. A recipient of over 60 awards, I know the true spirit of journalism is the apex of public service.”

MICHAEL BERRY BALLARD SPAHR

“Representing the press in Pennsylvania and defending journalists’ First Amendment freedoms here has been an honor. I am grateful for the opportunities to work with media throughout the Commonwealth and the many mentors and friends who have supported that work.”

Hall of Fame

JENNIFER BERTETTO TRIB TOTAL MEDIA, TARENTUM

“My time at the Tribune-Review has been a testament to the power of journalism to inform, engage, and shape our community. I’m grateful to Karen McElhatten for taking a chance on me and giving me my start in sales. Bill Cotter’s mentorship and guidance were invaluable as I transitioned into management. And to my incredible team—Matt, Dave, Jennifer, Joe, Justin, Tony, Keith, and Luis—thank you for your dedication, hard work, and constant inspiration.”

JAMES G. BLAINE THE KENNETT PAPER

“My time in the news profession was divided into two distinct but interrelated parts: (1) The Kennett Paper which I founded in 1986 with three partners (none of us having a clue about how to start, let alone run, a newspaper) and which was named weekly newspaper of the year three times the 1990s); and (2) my time at PNA both during and after my 15 years with the paper, serving on boards, working on issues, even starting a blog – and most memorably being a part of the special community of weekly newspapers publishers.”

ROBERT BOGLE THE PHILADELPHIA TRIBUNE

“The future will significantly shape how we deliver content to our audience in the news media industry, influencing not only the platforms we use but also the way we engage with and understand our readership. As technology evolves and consumer preferences shift, our approach to providing timely, accurate, and relevant information will need to be more innovative, responsive, and adaptable than ever before.”

JOHN V. R. BULL THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

“Thanks to the inherent kindness and expertise of newspaper people, my 40 years with The Easton Express and Philadelphia Inquirer were not only useful, productive and satisfying, but absolutely exciting. Everything I managed to achieve, including being a founder of The First Amendment Coalition of Pennsylvania, was marvelously supported by all parts of the industry, from publishers to delivery people.”

BRAD BUMSTED THE CAUCUS, HARRISBURG

“If you are a beat reporter, or cover an industry, or political candidate, do not be afraid to zing them if they deserve it and you can back it up. Too often reporters worry about cutting off their access. They won’t bite the hand that feeds them. In the long run, you’ll get more and better stories if they respect you and know you will let it rip.”

Hall of Fame

PAULA KNUDSEN BURKE

REPORTERS COMMITTEE FOR FREEDOM OF THE PRESS

“Journalism strengthens and enriches our communities. The news industry illuminates injustices, celebrates victories and gives collective space for mourning. Photographers, editors, reporters and all those in the news industry pour their energies into this vital work. What an honor it has been to work in this profession and support the free press here in the Keystone State.”

MARIE CHOMICKI DILLSBURG BANNER

“My husband, David March, and I started the Dillsburg Banner 38 years ago. After Dave passed away unexpectedly in 2006, I continued the paper with the full-time assistance of our daughter, Hilary March Keeney. The advice and opinions of journalists Mary Lou Bytof and Joe Guty, who have been with the Banner for over 30 years, have been invaluable. ”

MELINDA R. CONDON PNA FOUNDATION

“Working at the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association for 27 years in a variety of positions changed my life. I collaborated with outstanding members, colleagues and partners who made me a better communicator, planner, leader and person.”

LUCY NORTHROP CORWIN OBSERVER-REPORTER, WASHINGTON

“I served on the PNA Foundation Board for eleven years and can’t say enough about the supportive staff and commitment of all the board members. I remember how quickly we came together to form a plan to get funding to struggling Pennsylvania newspapers during the 2020 pandemic. We used Foundation Fellow donations to award grants for remote working equipment and to help meet expenses essential to continue publishing.”

MICHAEL DAYS PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS

“We have to lean aggressively into how we all gather local news and perspectives right now. No doubt our subscribers are fully covered with diverse national and international news. But our sweet spot will always continue to be nuanced coverage of our respective communities throughout the commonwealth. Keep the faith!”

“

We honor the legacy of

G. Ogden Nutting

upon his induction into the PNA Hall of Fame.

”

Proud to be part of the Ogden Company family of publications.

Hall of Fame

HARRY J. DEITZ, JR. READING EAGLE

“Journalists have the opportunity to do tremendous good in society, from defending the freedoms established in the First Amendment, to holding public officials accountable, to informing people about what is happening in their communities. Working as a newspaper editor is an ongoing education.”

JAMES DIBLE TIMES PUBLISHING CO., ERIE

“When in 1981 my family and I moved from Ohio to Lewistown, PA, it marked my move from editor to first-time publisher. My mentors at that time were Phil Buckner and Dave Martens of the Buckner News Alliance (BNA). Dave remains one of my closest friends.”

Hall of Fame

MICHAEL DONNELLY INDIANA PRINTING & PUBLISHING

“Our family was in the newspaper business for 130 years. The business became a part of our DNA. Each generation worked hard to keep our community informed. Each generation worked tirelessly to build a strong sense of community. Pennsylvania was known as a state that had dozens of family-owned newspapers committed to the same ideals as we were. Through our association with PNA, our family is proud to be a part of this prestigious group.”

ROD DOSS NEW PITTSBURGH COURIER

“I can say I am blessed to be in the business that plays an important role in helping to shape history and lift the community to higher heights. Alongside the many professional, talented and committed individuals I have had the pleasure of working with in covering Black history, as it was then, so it is now, the Courier was there…and so was I.”

FREDERICK P. FRANK FRANK, GALE, BAILS & POCRASS, P.C.

“It has been my honor and privilege to represent the media in many important lawsuits related to the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law, the Freedom of Information Act, and access to judicial proceedings. Throughout this, I have had great support from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and in particular its Counsel Melissa Melewsky.”

SARA GANIM THE PATRIOT-NEWS, HARRISBURG

“My time in Pennsylvania permanently shaped my career as a journalist, not just because of the people and stories I covered but because of the colleagues I had the pleasure of reporting alongside. Veteran journalists like the late Pete Shellem, who gave me endless hours of advice and encouragement when I was very green, and the late David Newhouse, who pushed me to think about how to move stories forward.”

TERI HENNING PNA

“I’m proud of the work we did to reform the open records law in Pennsylvania and support the work of our members during my time at PHA. I have so many great memories and benefitted so much from the leadership and mentorship of Tim Williams and too many owners and publishers to name. I also loved working with our committed and talented Association, MANSI and Foundation teams. The work was (and continues to be) so important, of course, but the people made it even better.”

Hall of Fame

COULSTON “SKIP” HENRY NEWS GLEANER PUBLICATIONS

“The Frankford News Gleaner of Philadelphia was founded by my great grandfather in 1882. Each of my three sons joined the newspaper to become the fifth generation of Henrys to publish newspapers. It was an honor to serve as the president of PNA. Being involved with PNA allowed us to network with many people in the industry.”

DENNIS R. HETZEL YORK DAILY RECORD

“I feel blessed and humbled to receive this honor, especially from the PNA, an organization dear to my heart that I was proud to serve. However, this recognition isn’t just for me. It’s really for the great team we built at the York Daily Record, who always did their best when the pressure was greatest, and it underscores the commitment, from ownership on down, that we made to produce thorough, fair and fearless local news coverage for York County.”

ARTHUR W. HOWE, IV MONTGOMERY NEWSPAPERS

“More than any other professional organization, Pennsylvania Newspaper Association transformed my career trajectory. PNA’s staff (specifically, the late Tim Williams and attorney Dave Morgan) supported me in a critical, and highstakes legal battle with so-called housing activists. PNA leadership in MANSI Media and an early understanding of digital media helped me, and many others, craft winning revenue strategies amid disruption. It’s an honor to be recognized by a group that has given me so much.”

BARBARA HOUGH HUESKEN PNA

“To work most of my career as a journalist in the Pennsylvania county I call home was a gift. To transition from LNP | LancasterOnline to the state Capitol as an advocate for our industry was exceptionally good fortune, not to mention exhaustingly exhilarating work. What a privilege to represent organizations that are the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association.”

JOHN P. KAMEEN FOREST CITY NEWS

“Having received the PNA Benjamin Franklin Award for excellence in 2014, I am proud to appear in the Hall of Fame for my 60 years at The Forest City News. I remember when I was on the Board of PNPA under the late Richard Dew. We used to attend weekly seminars all over the state. My wife, Carole, and daughter, Patricia, got to meet publishers from around the state. The Association must have rubbed off on Patricia as she is now Publisher of The Forest City News.”

Hall of Fame

JOHN A. KIRKPATRICK PA MEDIA GROUP, HARRISBURG

“I had the great good fortune to work for Publisher Ray Gover at The Patriot-News. It was Ray who got me involved with PNA soon after I arrived in Harrisburg. As it did for Ray, it opened up a world of life-long friendships, close colleagues from around the state who were always available to help, and an organization dedicated in all the best ways.”

SARA GLINES KIRKPATRICK YORK DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS

“I came to Pennsylvania late in my career. Until then, I had been involved at various levels with state news organizations around the country. But it turned out none were as robust, welcoming, and committed as PNA. Working with Teri Henning, her entire staff, and fellow publishers around the state was a wonderful experience both personally and professionally.”

H.F. “GERRY” LENFEST LENFEST INSTITUTE

“My goal is to ensure that the journalism traditionally provided by the printed newspapers is given a new life and prolonged, while new media formats for its distribution are being developed. Of all the ventures I have been involved with in my life, nothing is more important than preserving the journalism that has been delivered by these storied news organizations.” — Quote provided by the Lenfest Institute

RANDALL “RANDY” LIEBERMAN CHESTER COUNTY PRESS, WEST GROVE

“Randall “Randy” Lieberman was a champion for the local community and the longtime publisher of the Chester County Press, the oldest and largest weekly newspaper in Chester County, PA. Through his leadership and vision, he created several magazines that are circulated throughout Chester County, Delaware and Maryland; as well as partnered with multiple business chamber groups in creating their publications. The Chester County Press continues to operate as an independent publisher and is now in its third generation of family ownership, led by Randy’s two children, Avery and Stone.”— Quote provided by the Lieberman Family

JAMES LOCKWOOD THE TIMES-TRIBUNE, SCRANTON

“I sincerely thank the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association for induction into its Hall of Fame. I am humbled and surprised to receive this incredible honor and recognition. I also want to thank all of my colleagues over the years - reporters, photographers, editors, supervisors and all co-workers in all departments - for their diligent and dedicated daily work to produce the newspaper. I am just one member of a team and could not have accomplished anything without all of them.”

Hall of Fame

WILLIAM R. LYNETT TIMES-SHAMROCK COMMUNICATIONS

“Some people spend their entire life trying to make a difference in their community. Newspapers make a difference every day.”

DAVID MARTENS THE YORK DISPATCH

“It would take a very large room to accommodate the scores of good people I worked with over my 46 years in York journalism. We accomplished so much together. The best of which we call watchdog journalism and all that went into supporting it.”

FRED MASENHEIMER THE TIMES NEWS, LEHIGHTON

“I could not have chosen a more rewarding way to spend the past 54 years working in all aspects of the newspaper business at the Lehighton Times News and our eight Lehigh Valley weekly newspapers. My time on the PNA board and Foundation working with other publishers and the PNA Staff was one of the highlights of my career.”

RICHARD H. MAYER THE TRIBUNE-DEMOCRAT, JOHNSTOWN

“I spent the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s being active in PNPA. I knew and admired almost all these wonderful inductees.”

NICKOLAS MONICO ADAMS PUBLISHING GROUP

“It is the utmost honor to be included in the 100th Anniversary of the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Hall of Fame for 2024. I was born, raised, educated and had my first meaningful management experiences across community newspapers in Pennsylvania including the COO of Trib Total Media. From newspaper carrier to COO, this is a very rewarding acknowledgment of the 45 years I have spent in the media business leading some of the foremost media companies in the industry.”

Hall of Fame

RICHARD A. MONTI TRIB TOTAL MEDIA, TARENTUM

“It’s hard to believe that five decades have passed since I began in this profession. Working for private owners and corporations the mission has remained the same: to inform the public and hold those in power accountable. Those owners have been liberal and conservative; out front or in the background. But through it all no one ever said: “Don’t print that story.” The stories were memorable but it has been the personalities I have encountered that have accompanied me on the journey: quiet and loud; stern and humorous; but all journalists. Righting wrongs and protecting those without a voice keeps us coming back everyday. I thank you for this honor.”

JAN MURPHY PA MEDIA GROUP, HARRISBURG

“In my work as a journalist, my goals have always been to find ways to make a difference and to tell people information they deserve to know. Sometimes, that hasn’t been easy. Sometimes, it ticked people off. But sometimes it sparked change. That’s when I knew I accomplished what I set out to do.”

JOHN L.S. NORTHROP OBSERVER-REPORTER, WASHINGTON

“Our family has a long and deep connection with PNA. My grandfather, John L. Stewart, was a founder and first president of what was then the Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers Association (PNPA). The first offices of PNPA were located at our family newspaper, Observer Publishing Company in Washington, PA. I am proud that four generations of our family remained active with the state association and foundation, serving as board members and board chairs, offering financial support and attending events.”

THOMAS P. NORTHROP OBSERVER-REPORTER, WASHINGTON

“Over years of PNA involvement, I was fortunate enough to work with dedicated, accomplished people, from members to PNA staff. But the best part was the creation of enduring friendships. I’m honored to be included with this group.”

WILLIAM B. NORTHROP OBSERVER-REPORTER, WASHINGTON

“Keystone Secrets, a 14 newspaper, 100 reporter project that exposed, in 1999, the deep flaws in Pennsylvania’s open government laws, was the key achievement in my work with the then PNPA. It laid the groundwork for later development of better (though still not sufficient) open government laws and procedures. For me, it meant the Ben Franklin award, but the nitty-gritty work was done by over 100 journalists and activists throughout the state.”

Hall of Fame

GARY OWEN MULLER MARTINI

“It is an extreme honor to be inducted into the 2024 PNA Hall of Fame. It is more than humbling to be amongst such a distinguished group of fellow Hall of Fame inductees on this very special 100-year PNA anniversary! As I reflect on over three decades of involvement with PNA, I have nothing but great memories and respect for all whom I have collaborated with throughout the years.”

LARRY J. PERROTTO COMMUNITY MEDIA GROUP

“I have been blessed by my association with the news media to have had so many opportunities for these many years to be able to serve communities as a force for good.”

GEORGE “SCOOP” SAMPLE SAMPLE NEWS GROUP

“I have had a front-row seat for 50 of PNA’s 100 years and watched the many great deeds this organization has accomplished. Since its inception, PNA has fought battles ranging from the First Amendment to Open Records. They have led in teaching and training of young journalists and built the finest newspaper association in the country. During these 100 years, many of the Great Giants of Pennsylvania Newspapering have made Pennsylvania the Hallmark of great journalism. It is an honor to be included with them.”

ERNEST J. SCHREIBER LNP MEDIA GROUP, LANCASTER

“My career at Lancaster Newspapers was built on principles established by the Steinman family and publisher Jack Buckwalter. They recognized the value of journalistic competition in the local marketplace and of industry collaboration on the state and national levels. They encouraged participation in the PNA for those reasons – to sharpen the skills of newsroom staff and to form alliances addressing industry-wide issues. Because of commitment like that from publishers across the Commonwealth, PNA was able to reform the state’s Open Records and Sunshine laws. I am honored to be a part of an organization that did so much to strengthen our profession. May it continue another 100 years.”

MARK SCOLFORO ASSOCIATED PRESS

“I’m grateful for the help, advice, humor and motivation I have received from so many journalists, including my Harrisburg colleague, Marc Levy of The Associated Press; my wife (and superb journalist), Liz Evans Scolforo; and the countless editors who wrestled my raw copy into respectability despite my best efforts.”

Hall of Fame

MARK SEGAL PHILADELPHIA GAY NEWS

“It’s humbling to be included with such an esteemed group of professionals in the news media business. As a journalist working in LGBT media, it is especially humbling.”

JOE SUKLE PRESS AND JOURNAL, MIDDLETOWN

“I will forever cherish and appreciate my involvement with the association. Our past and continuing relationships are more than sufficient honors. I believe my service to the association was my responsibility to our industry and our democracy.”

DIEGO “DICK” TABBACHINO WHITE BIRCH PAPER CO.

“I have been in the industry as a supplier to Pennsylvania Newspapers since April of 1962. I started my career at Garden State Paper Company, The first 100% recycled newsprint mill in the country, owned by Richard B. Scudder, Owner, and Publisher of The Newark (NJ) Evening News, buying overissue from Publishers and supplying Pennsylvania Newspapers with 100% recycled paper.”

BRIDGET WINGERT BUCKS COUNTY HERALD, DOYLESTOWN

“I worked with community newspapers for years before starting the new publication, with my husband, Joe, in 2002. I had advice from PNA before we published the first Herald and as soon as the Herald was eligible, 23 years ago, we joined PNA, which has helped in our success. Our son, Joseph G., is continuing as publisher of local news media in print and online.”

JOSEPH T. WINGERT BUCKS COUNTY HERALD, DOYLESTOWN

“The founding publisher of the Bucks County Herald said it was the ‘best job’ he ever had. He came from the corporate world to set the Herald on a firm business path and he felt that serving on the PNA Board and making friends with news media leaders was an enormous advantage for him and the publication.”

— Quote provided by Bridget Wingert

Hall of Fame

Additional Hall of Fame Inductees

William Anderson

David M. Beihoff

Rep. Kerry Benninghoff

William Block, Sr.

Albert Boscov

Ronald Bracken

U.S. Sen. Robert P. Casey, Jr.

John J. Curley

G. Richard Dew

David Erdman

Paul “Pete” Eyerly III

Gene Foreman

Robert Fowler

Rep. Robert Freeman

Raymond Gover

Marie Hardin

Sandra C. Hardy

Katherine Hatton

Stan Hough

Edith Hughes

Walter W. Krebs

Ed Kruger

Edward J. Lynett, Jr.

George V. Lynett

Harold F. Marion

Ralph J. Martin

Uzal H. Martz

James E. McClure

William B. McLean

Edward Mead

Michael Mead

Terry Mutchler

Caroline Steinman Nunan

Ogden Nutting

Wayne Powell

The Patriot-News Staff (2012)

Richard M. Scaife

Willis W. Shenk

Eugene “Gene” Simon

Craig J. Staudenmaier

LeRoy “Lee” Stauffer

Sen. Pat Stefano

Beverly “Peggy” Steinman

William Strasburg

Kim Strong

Ron Vodenichar

Timothy M. Williams

Vernon L. Wise, Jr.

A Board of Directors

Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association

The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association is the official trade association for print and digital news outlets in the commonwealth. For 100 years, PNA has championed First Amendment initiatives to promote a free and independent press and advance the business interests of Pennsylvania news media organizations. We look forward to continuing that mission as we progress into a new century of service.

Executive Committee

Directors

Sharon Sorg Vice Chairwoman

Lawrance Binda

Mike Miorelli

Bob Geiger Chairman Elect

Paul Bennett

Ashley Johnson

Denice Schaeffer

William Southern

Brad Bailey Secretary/Treasurer

Justin Bucks

Bernie Oravec

Bill Cotter President

Ruth Eddy

Carrie Pauling

PNAF Board of Trustees

Executive Committee

Board of Trustees

Frederick Frank

Paula Knudsen Burke

David Erdman

Sherri Growden

Helen Fallon

Gary Owen

Stan Wischnowski

William Lynett Chairman

Scott Blanchard Secretary

Cate Barron Vice Chairwoman

Henry Nyce Treasurer

Dave Martens Immediate Past Chairman

Diane Brinser Assistant Treasurer

Melissa Bevan Melewsky Assistant Secretary

Tanya Henderson Executive Director

Bill Cotter President

Joyce Davis

Richard Ganahl

Larry Holeva Chip Minemyer

Tammy Shuey

A Legacy of Leadership

Congratulations to PN A on its 100th Anniver sar y and the

Freedom of the press and speech is more impor tant than ever That’s why we’re proud to celebrate t wo great accomplishments: PNA’s 100th Anniversar y and its unwavering commitment to journalism and free speech, along with the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees. This includes our own COO, Nick Monico, whose career has been marked by excellence in the news media. Celebrating these moments reminds us of the vital role journalism plays and the exceptional ﬁgures who advance its mission.

PNA Foundation

PNA Foundation: Be a Fellow!

Your donation to the PNA Foundation provides critical training, development grants and recognition to industry professionals and students throughout Pennsylvania. From legal and legislative efforts to news sustainability, PNAF works to preserve journalism vital to every community.

In 2024, PNAF offered the first state press association journalism fundraising lab in the U.S. The lab was funded in part by the Google News Initiative, Local Media Association, the Knight Foundation, Lenfest and PNAF. Twelve PNA member organizations attended intensive philanthropy training. PNAF awarded three $20,000 grants to the winners of the best community projects.

2024 Foundation Fellows

Brad Bailey Press Enterprise

Chris Baxter Spotlight PA

Jennifer Bertetto Trib Total Media

Lawrance Binda The Burg

Jamie Blaine Retired, The Kennett Paper

Andrew Bickford Retired, Independent Publications

Bill Cotter PNA

David Jones PA Media Group

John Kirkpatrick Retired, Penn Live

George V. Lynett Times-Shamrock Communications

David Martens The York Dispatch

Lucy Northrop Corwin Retired, Observer-Reporter

John L.S. Northrop Retired, Observer-Reporter

Tammy Schuey

Butler Eagle

Sharon Sorg

Sharon Herald

Ron Vodenichar

Butler Eagle

100 Years Initiatives

Sustainability Through Philanthropy and Digital Innovation

The PA Lab for Journalism Funding is a first-of-its-kind partnership between Local Media Association and an individual state press association. Using the techniques set forth by LMA’s nationwide training lab, the cohort was established to teach newsrooms how effective fundraising can boost revenue to support civic journalism. The capital raised provides additional resources needed to provide in-depth reporting on topics that resonate strongly with the communities they serve.

The Butler Eagle, SPIRIT Media Group, Inc., and WITF & the Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement were selected from twelve Pennsylvania news organizations who participated in a rigorous four-month PNA/LMA Lab for Journalism Funding. The lab was made possible by funding and participation from Google News Initiative, Knight Foundation, Lenfest Institute and PNAF. Each news outlet will receive a $20,000 “kick-starter” for their top-scoring projects from the PNA Foundation.

“We are grateful to LMA and the lab funders who recognized the opportunity to work with PNA and engage with news organizations, large and small, who are dedicated to making a direct impact within their respective communities across the commonwealth,” said Tanya Henderson, executive director of PNAF.

Award Winners

THE BUTLER EAGLE

TRACY LETURGEY

SPIRIT MEDIA GROUP, INC.

JULIE E. FLADREAU

WITF & THE STEINMAN INSTITUTE FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

KEVIN DITZLER

100 Years Initiatives

Diversity and Equity in the Newsroom

PNA is partnering with the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation to create a paid, 12-week fellowship program for journalists of color who are students or recent graduates from schools of higher education that have accredited journalism programs. This coalition will select and fund 12 fellows per year and place them in news organizations throughout Pennsylvania.

We will also work with Pennsylvania colleges and universities to help identify strong candidates for the fellowships. Fellows will have a mentor from NABJ or PBMF to provide support and guidance during the internship in order to make the experience as productive as possible.

PNA will collaborate with its member news organizations, NABJ and PBMF to match fellows with newsrooms based on factors such as geography, interests and needs.

The preferred outcome of each fellowship is the transition to full-time, permanent employment at the news organization. If that is not possible, we believe the high-profile program will make the fellow a first-class candidate for positions at other news organizations throughout the commonwealth.

PNA is working in unison with its partners to find funding and sponsors for this worthy effort. If you are interested in supporting this fellowship program contact PNA.

100 Years Initiatives

News Media Literacy in the Classroom, and Beyond

People have access to myriad forms of news and information across many platforms. It is often difficult for news consumers to determine what is verified fact versus what is intentional falsehood. For our news organizations to be successful, we must operate in a society that is able to distinguish unbiased journalism from slanted rhetoric.

PNA is supporting a 2025 pilot program with the News Literacy Project and WITF who will work with high school social studies and history teachers in Pennsylvania to integrate news and media literacy skills into their classes and to help prepare students to critically engage with media and information. Through this program, teachers will specifically explore: InfoZones, Understanding Bias, Arguments and Evidence and Misinformation.

100 Years in Review: A Century of Milestones and Legacy

FEB. 10, 1925

Representatives from the Pennsylvania Associated Dailies, the Pennsylvania Weekly Newspaper Association and the Pennsylvania State Editorial Association met to form the Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers’ Association. PNPA’s ﬁrst home was actually the ofﬁce of John L. Stewart at the Observer-Reporter in Washington.

AUG. 10, 1925

The Pennsylvania Newspaper Publishers’ Association was granted a charter by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

1926

PNPA headquarters were moved to Pine Street in downtown Williamsport.

MAY 1933

More than 175 bills in the state legislature were against publications, “Most of them... half-baked ideas difﬁcult to understand and even more difﬁcult to explain how they obtained sponsors.” Attacks on press freedoms through the years were resisted.

MAY 25, 1925

A $33-a-month room in The Harrisburg Telegraph Building became PNPA’s new headquarters.

SEPT. 1, 1925

Albert W. Fell, PNPA’s first leader, began his role as executive secretary and field manager. His title subsequently changed to executive manager, manager, and finally general manager.

1929

William N. Hardy became PNPA’s second general manager and served in this role until his death in 1950.

He returned the association’s headquarters to The Harrisburg Telegraph Building where the association was housed until it moved to its ﬁrst building in 1956.

1948

PNPA and the Penn State Department of Journalism sponsored the ﬁrst Better Writing Contest - the precursor to the Keystone Press Awards and now the Keystone Media Awards.

1949

PNPA cooperated with the State Department of Public Instruction in offering a program to encourage teachers to use newspapers as class aids in teaching civics, social studies, citizenship, and other subjects in elementary and secondary schools. In 1953, schools in the Johnstown area were recruited for a Newspaper in Education program.

1952

Mid-Atlantic Newspaper Services, Inc., (MANSI) was established as a for-proﬁt corporate arm of PNPA.

AUG. 25, 1955

PNPA breaks ground for the 2717 North Front Street headquarters in Harrisburg.

JULY 20, 1956

PNPA’s headquarters building at 2717 North Front Street in Harrisburg was dedicated.

1950

Ted Serrill was named as the third general manager for PNPA. His philosophy was “always be on call for members; ofﬁce work could wait.” He served as the association’s leader through 1956.

LATE 1952

President-elect Dwight David Eisenhower received a resolution from PNPA protesting and urging that he rescind an executive order a year earlier by President Harry Truman, which was viewed as censorship under the guise of National Security.

1956

G. Richard Dew was named PNPA’s fourth general manager and held this post until 1980. Known as a well-liked low-key problem solver, Dew spearheaded the post-ﬂood restoration of the PNPA building in 1972.

MARCH 30, 1962

Seventeen PNPA-member publishers lunched with President John F. Kennedy in the state dining room of the White House. The telegram read, “It would be useful to me to have an exchange of views with you on state, regional and national problems...”

1968

A charter was approved by the commonwealth for the establishment of the PNPA Foundation, with education its main but not sole responsibility. The Foundation continues to offer an array of seminars to train publishers and their staff.

1972

Thanks to Flood Agnes, the meeting minutes from 1927-1933 and 1941-1946 were destroyed. The floodwaters were three feet deep on the first floor. The team spent time pushing mud and water out of the building.

1974

PNPA actively lobbied on behalf of promoting the passage of an act requiring public agencies to hold certain meetings open to the public. Signed into law by Gov. Milton J. Shapp, it was Pennsylvania’s ﬁrst “Sunshine Law.” Battles for greater government openness have long been fought by newspapers and PNPA.

1980

Ray Jones became the ﬁfth general manager of PNPA. During his tenure, which lasted until 1988, he hired PNPA’s ﬁrst legislative/legal assistant, introduced word processing and added an upstairs conference center at the association building.

1968

William E. Strasburg from Montogomery Publishing Co. became the ﬁrst president of PNA representing a weekly publication. Weekly publishers could serve as ofﬁcers of PNPA, including vice president, but could not become president in the Association’s early decades.

1974

In 1974, PNPA’s bylaws were amended to allow formal college newspaper memberships.

1976

PNPA launched America East, a production conference held in Hershey, which drew registrants from multiple states.

1989

Timothy M. Williams was named as the PNPA’s sixth leader. For 22 years, he helmed the association as executive director and then president and CEO.

He expanded the Association staff from nine people in 1989 to a peak of 65 in 2005 and oversaw the growth of Mid-Atlantic Newspaper Services (now MANSI Media), PennSCAN, the Pennsylvania Newspaper Network, Pennsylvania NewsLink and the affordable 2×2 Network.

1992

Waste disposal became a big issue in the 1990s. PNPA took a proactive stance and avoided government interference and controls. In 1992, PNPA and Gov. Robert P. Casey introduced the Buy Recycled Guide, which was a small part of the overall initiative.

MARCH 18, 1998

PNA starts digging for their new headquarters at 3899 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA.

1984

Grace Schlichter, publisher of The News-Chronicle of Shippensburg, became the ﬁrst woman Board member of the Association.

1991

Stephanie Grubert became the ﬁrst female PNPA president. She served in 1991-1992.

1993

PNPA staff lobbied on behalf of the Carrier Bill which lowered the age of newspaper carriers to 11 and let them go out at 5 a.m. instead of 6 a.m. These measures were signiﬁcant in having youth participate in getting morning papers to customers.

OCT. 1, 1998

The Pennsylvania Newspapers Publishers’ Association was renamed Pennsylvania Newspaper Association to reﬂect the changing corporate structures and participants within the newspaper industry, as well as within the Association.

MAY 21, 1999

The new PNPA headquarters at 3899 North Front Street in Harrisburg was formally dedicated. Skip Henry, a past president who chaired the Building Committee said, “The columns on the front of the building display the strength of our industry. The wording of the First Amendment, which wraps around the building, signiﬁes our purpose.” Frank Gothie, then Association president stated,

“This building is dedicated to the Association’s members, past, present, and future. Its purpose is to be used to promote better business practices, better journalism and continue the goals that the Association was grounded on –freedom of the press, assisting members with the business of producing their newspapers and helping to build a better world for all of us.

2010

NOV. 2012

The company name was changed one more time to The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association to, “better represent our membership and reﬂect the media companies that many of our members have already become.”

ASSOCIATION

PNA’s General Counsel Teri Henning was promoted to PNA President. As the seventh leader of the association, she spearheaded PNA legal and legislative efforts to protect public access during multiple omnibus local code rewrites including the Borough Code and County Code, protecting the public notice process and safeguarding public access to records and proceedings, and led legislative efforts that resulted in more severe penalties for Sunshine Act violations. She was instrumental in pushing for Sunshine Act reform and actively participated in Sunshine Week events. Teri was honored with the Benjamin Franklin Award for Excellence in 2019 for her Right-to-Know-Law work.

PENNSYLVANIA

MARCH 2020

PNA’s Chief Financial Ofﬁcer Bradford Simpson advanced to become PNA’s ninth president. Brad shepherded our members and staff through COVID-19 by initiating virtual training and roundtable discussions to keep everyone connected, and launched PaCoronaNews.org, a website dedicated to sharing our members’ virus-related news. He oversaw the sale of PNA’s former headquarters and worked with legislative staff to protect public notices in Pennsylvania newspapers.

MAY 2023

After spending decades in the newspaper industry in Pennsylvania, William M. Cotter was chosen as PNA’s tenth president and CEO. Bill orchestrated PNA’s 100th anniversary celebrations, including the development of new initiatives for the next century focused on philanthropy, newsroom diversity and media literacy. He also works closely with legislative staff to protect public notices in Pennsylvania newspapers.

2018

Mark Cohen, a veteran of the newspaper industry, became PNA’s eighth president. He played an active role in defeating the proposed tax on the import of newsprint from Canada and collaborated with legislative staff to protect public notices in Pennsylvania newspapers.

OCT. 1, 2022

PNA moves to its current headquarters on Crums Mill Road in Harrisburg.

Our Team

Proud to Serve the News Industry

The staff of the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, PNA Foundation and MANSI Media are proud to support our members in pursuit of the goals and principles set forth by the organization’s founders a century ago. We continue the effort to promote and sustain journalism, protect and uphold First Amendment rights for all and educate the public on the importance of a free press in a democracy.

Diane Brinser

VP, Finance

Bill Cotter

President & CEO

John Derr

Director of Sales and Strategic Partnerships

Lisa DiVittore

Accounts Payable Representative

Aimee Eckley

Senior Digital & Recruitment Specialist

Morgan Edge

Digital Media Manager