The News Media Industry Executive of the Year Award honors a distinguished executive whose leadership, innovation and strategic vision have had a profound and lasting impact on the news media industry. The prestigious award recognizes a strategic leader who has successfully navigated the rapidly evolving media landscape with integrity, driving audience engagement, fostering journalistic excellence and ensuring the fiscal sustainability of their organization.
Deadline for nominations is Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
The recipient will exemplify a deep and enduring commitment to the vital role of trustworthy, local journalism in serving communities and strengthening democracy.
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Proven business success and resilience: A strong history of financial stewardship, organizational transformation and strategic adaptability in the face of industry challenges
- Inspirational leadership: The ability to motivate teams, build a culture of collaboration, and promote innovation, inclusivity and excellence at every level
- Editorial integrity: A steadfast commitment to upholding the highest ethical and journalistic standards
- Advocacy and public service: Active support for press freedom, transparency and journalism as a force for civic engagement and public good
- Forward-thinking strategy: A visionary approach to digital innovation, audience engagement, and the sustainability of local journalism
- Industry impact: Notable contributions that have positively influenced the broader news media industry, enriched public discourse and supported the development of future industry leaders
- Community impact: A strong commitment to the local community through active participation in civic and community organizations. This may include involvement in local chambers of commerce, nonprofit boards or other community-based leadership roles.
This award celebrates executives who are not only leading their organizations – but also shaping the future of journalism.
Award Criteria
Nominees must be executives (publisher, CEO, president, VP, general manager) at a Pennsylvania-based news media organization.
Nomination Guidelines
Nominations must be submitted in writing and include a brief statement outlining why the nominee deserves to be considered. The deadline for submissions has been extended to Wednesday, July 15, 2026, and should be emailed to teresas@pa-news.org or mailed to:
News Media Industry Executive of the Year Award Nominations Committee
c/o Teresa Shaak
Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association
4000 Crums Mill Rd., Suite 101
Harrisburg, PA 17112
PRESENATION: The recipient of the 2025 News Media Industry Executive of the Year Award will be honored during PNA’s Annual Dinner in Harrisburg on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, and inducted into the PNA Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. Details about the event available in the summer.
Past Winners:
2025: Chris Baxter, Spotlight PA – View the 2025 PNA Awards Press Release.