Celebrating exemplary individuals throughout Pennsylvania news media for their service, support and success.
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 2026 PNA Hall of Fame honoree, Joseph H. Zerbey, IV
Joseph H. Zerbey IV, who is being inducted in recognition ofhis career in the newspaper industry and the profound, lasting impact he has made on journalism and the communities he servedin Connecticut, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Utah.
Zerbey said, “I am very humbled and appreciative to be selected for the PNA Hall of Fame. This honor rekindled many fond memories of my life in the newspaper business. The changes in technology, the fight for freedom of the press, the ups and the downs, and all the great people who touched my life along the way — all of it means so much to me. My heartfelt thanks to PNA’s Board of Directors and President Bill Cotter.”
Award Criteria
Beyond the Ben Franklin, Lifetime Achievement Award and Advocate of the Year winners, nominees for the PNA Hall of Fame may include news media leaders, PNA staff past and present, vendors, legislators, community and business leaders, legal and lobbying providers, university/college administrators or professors, philanthropists, Foundation Fellows and other financial supporters of local news. A nominee does not need to be a member of PNA or currently reside in Pennsylvania, but their impact should have been felt across the state and the news industry. Posthumous nominations are accepted.
Nomination Guidelines
A letter of nomination explaining the reasons the nominee should receive the award, along with optional supporting documentation, must be submitted via email to teresas@pa-news.org or mailed to:
Lifetime Achievement Award Committee
c/o Teresa Shaak
Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association
4000 Crums Mill Rd., Suite 101
Harrisburg, PA 17112
PRESENTATION: The recipients of the PNA Hall of Fame will be honored at 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.