Advocate of the Year - Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association

The PNA Advocate of the Year award recognizes “dedicated leadership and outstanding advocacy for the Pennsylvania news media industry.”

Congratulations to our 2024 Advocates of the Year

Michael Berry and Rep. Ryan A. Bizzarro

in recognition of and with deep appreciation for their dedicated leadership and outstanding advocacy for the Pennsylvania news media industry.

Awards will be presented on Monday, March 17, at the State Archives Building in Harrisburg.

For over 20 years, Michael Berry has represented news, entertainment, and other media clients in defamation and privacy suits, fought for the right of the press and public to access government and court records, defended reporters who are subpoenaed, and advised clients on newsgathering and other First Amendment matters. He is a trial lawyer who regularly defends media companies in federal and state courts throughout the country. For example, Michael has served as trial counsel for prominent newspapers and websites and succeeded in unsealing records in high-profile criminal prosecutions and high-stakes corporate litigation. In addition, he was instrumental in drafting Pennsylvania’s newly enacted anti-SLAPP law, which passed the state House of Representatives and Senate unanimously and was signed by the Governor in July 2024.

In light of his accomplishments, the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association inducted Michael into its Hall of Fame. In addition, The Best Lawyers in America named Michael its First Amendment Law Lawyer of the Year in Philadelphia for 2018, 2020, 2023, and 2025, its Media Lawyer of the Year in Philadelphia for 2019 and 2024, and its 2022 Lawyer of the Year in Philadelphia for First Amendment Litigation.

Michael speaks frequently on matters affecting the freedom of the press, and his writings about First Amendment issues have appeared in a variety of publications. Prior to practicing law, he worked on Capitol Hill for the late Senator Paul D. Coverdell (R-Ga.).

Read more about Michael Berry.

Rep. Ryan Bizzarro is an award-winning legislator, sworn in on Jan. 1, 2013, to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He proudly represents the 3rd Legislative District in Erie County.

House Democrats appointed Bizzarro to the House Democratic Leadership team for the 2021-22 Legislative Session, helping guide the caucus to its first return to the majority in more than a decade following the 2022 election cycle. After more than a decade in the minority, the House Democratic Caucus held a tenuous 102-101 majority in 2023, but it has responded by passing more than 150 bills during its first six months in the majority.

Appointed to House Democratic Policy Committee Chairman, he has traveled across the state with the committee, raising awareness on big-topic issues and emerging concerns – allowing representatives to listen and question experts during hearings and roundtable discussions.

As a legislator, Bizzarro has earned respect from Democrats and Republicans alike for his ability to come to the table and work across party lines to get the job done. He is known for his strong leadership, forward-thinking strategies, detailed execution and practice of putting people first before politics. His efforts to promote public-private partnerships and a strong dedication to protecting government budgets from fraud and waste have guided many of Bizzarro’s bills in the Pennsylvania House.