Philadelphia Inquirer celebrates multiple
milestones in a storied history.
It has been a banner year so far for The Philadelphia Inquirer. The illustrious publication, which celebrated its 195th anniversary in June, recently rolled out a multiplatform brand campaign, including a version with the iconic “I” of its logo made to look like a birthday cake. The campaign won gold for Best Brand Awareness in the 2024 International News Media Association Global Media Awards. The media company hosted an all-staff party at a local beer garden near The Inquirer’s Center City headquarters, complete with a delicious custom-made cake by pastry chef Ashley Huston of DreamWorld Bakes in Philadelphia. In addition, subscribers received personal thank-you notes in the mail from Inquirer staff.
Ashley Huston of DreamWorld Bakes in Philadelphia, with her custom-made cake to celebrate The Inquirer’s 195th anniversary. Photo by Evan S. Benn.
From gallery hops to gourmet stops:
Dive into Harrisburg’s ‘3rd in the Burg’
Once a month in Harrisburg, TheBurg hosts and organizes “3rd in the Burg,” a celebration of the city’s rapidly growing arts and cultural scene.
Since its inception in 2009, “3rd in the Burg” has become a hallmark of Harrisburg’s burgeoning arts scene, drawing residents and visitors alike to explore the diverse offerings of downtown and Midtown venues. From galleries to theaters, cafes to boutiques, the city opens its doors wide, inviting everyone to partake in an even of creativity and connection.
Journalist Spotlight: Hanna Webster
Hanna Webster has taken local journalism in Pittsburgh by storm. Since joining the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as a health journalist in August 2022, she has garnered awards and recognition from esteemed organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism. and the International Association of Business Communicators. This year is no different. Webster, 27, has won the 2024 Lenfest Institute Emerging Journalist Award, part of the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association’s Keystone Media Awards. She is recognized for her work covering the opioid crisis, the Supreme Court Dobbs decision ending the federal right to an abortion and a Pittsburgh teen’s advocacy for brain cancer. “I am honored to be chosen for this award,” she said.
Amplifying Butler County’s voices with the Alter Eagle podcast
For over a century and a half, the Butler Eagle has been a trusted voice of Butler County, delivering the narratives of its residents with authenticity and dedication. In its latest endeavor to amplify community voices, the publication proudly presents the Alter Eagle podcast, an innovative platform hosted and produced by Laura Crago.
Alter Eagle exceeds the conventional bounds of storytelling. The podcast offers an insider perspective into the lives within Butler County through its seasons, each dedicated to exploring a distinct facet of local life.
PNA welcomes new member, WVIA, a leading journalistic voice for Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association welcomes TV/radio station and PBS-NPR news affiliate WVIA as its newest member. With a rich history dating back to 1963, WVIA has served the citizens of Northeast and Central Pennsylvania with news, educational, music, and arts programming. Based in Pittston, the non-profit station serves a 22-county region area stretching from Williamsport to Schuylkill County and all communities in between.
The events that precipitated WVIA’s membership into PNA started two years ago under the leadership of President and CEO Carla McCabe. She devised a plan to reinvigorate the newsroom with a heavy focus on local journalism. “WVIA News began in 2022 with the mission to develop a trusted source of local news that would foster deeper conversations and facilitate change in our region,” McCabe said.
Lebanon County Bulletin bridges gaps with printed journalism
Defying the digital tide, the Lebanon County Bulletin stands as an excellent example of the enduring power of print journalism. Founded in May 2023 by Jake Keiter, this weekly tabloid-size newspaper serves as Lebanon County’s trusted source for local news and community engagement.
Located in Fredericksburg, Pennsylvania, the Lebanon County Bulletin embodies the essence of community journalism. Its pages are filled not only with columns, photos and announcements, but also with the heartbeat of the local area — from government proceedings and school board meetings to vibrant community events and business updates.
Wilkes-Barre Times Leader’s guide to the physical and mental health of area children and teens.
It’s common practice for newspapers to publish special sections that correspond with seasonal events and special occasions. Editions concerning health-related issues, such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October or Heart Month in February are important to newspaper readers. May is National Mental Health Awareness Month. With that in mind, the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader has published a unique, new health and wellness supplement focused exclusively on kids, teens and young adults.
Capturing the essence of Bedford County with Bedford Living Magazine
In the spring of 2019, Sherri Growden embarked on a journey that would ultimately lead her back to the heart of southwestern Pennsylvania’s Bedford County. Accepting a new role at the Emporia Gazette in Kansas, an esteemed Pulitzer Prize-winning publication, Growden found herself immersed in the world of journalism. Her connection to magazines blossomed during this time, laying the groundwork for a transformative endeavor yet to come.
The call that changed everything came swiftly – news of impending grandmotherhood beckoned Growden back to her roots.
Recognizing her indispensable role in Bedford County, she was thrilled to see her previous position at the Bedford Gazette reinstated that same year under the guidance of Publisher Joseph A. Beegle. It was here that Growden’s vision for a groundbreaking initiative began to take shape, aligning perfectly with the county’s imminent 250th anniversary celebration in 2020.
The power of second chances: A new lease on life at the Indiana Gazette
It’s fair to say, at some point in our lives, we have all been afforded a second chance of some kind. Maybe it’s happened on a professional level or in a personal relationship. Maybe it’s a reconciliation with one’s own self. It can derive from a mistake quickly forgiven or a serious lapse in judgment that takes considerable time and effort to amend. Second chances aren’t always easy to come by. In most cases, they must be earned through self-improvement, humility and trust.
Jason Stepp of the Indiana Gazette made a commitment to himself, and others, to turn his life around after years of addiction. His second chance gave him the ability to regain control of his life. But it also gave him a moment of clarity, that he could “pay it forward” and help others in the same situation. “Everybody deserves a second chance,” Stepp said. He has honored his word.
Hyperlocal journalism at the Chestnut Hill Local and the stories that bind a community together
In an era dominated by digital media giants and sprawling news conglomerates, the heartbeat of communities often finds its rhythm in the pages of hyperlocal newspapers.
In Philadelphia, the Chestnut Hill Local stands as a testament to the power of grassroots journalism, echoing the voices and stories of its neighborhood. At the core of the paper’s mission is the profound belief in the value of community. Local newspapers like the Chestnut Hill Local don’t just report on their community. They embody it.
Stereo Flavors, the Philly Fanzine for Foodies
As with many institutions and art forms in the United States, a subculture exists in the world of print.
Zines, short for “fanzines,” are homemade, self-distributed publications steeped in creativity and unhindered by the mainstream. An integral way to connect with other like-minded members of a community, they are born of passion, not profit. Prominent examples of zines can be found throughout groundbreaking eras of American history: Harlem’s Black Renaissance of the 1920s, sci-fi stories in the 1950s Atomic Era, and punk and “riot grrrl” culture at the end of the 20th century.
Bridging gaps through ‘The New Generation’ and ‘Sports Report’ podcasts
In the digital whirlwind of today’s media landscape, The Herald in Sharon offers a blend of informative narratives and entertaining discussions. At the forefront of this initiative are two distinctive podcasts – “The New Generation” and “Sports Report.” They have not only secured their places in the hearts of local listeners but have also become integral to those seeking diverse and engaging content.
Press Enterprise’s 30 Seconds: Making local opinions heard since 1992
In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Bill of Rights, Press Enterprise launched the experimental 30 Seconds call line, aiming to spark debates across a spectrum of topics and issues among local residents in Bloomsburg. It quickly became one of the newspaper’s most read features.
Introduced Jan. 7, 1992, under the editorial guidance of Jim Sachetti, then the Press Enterprise editor, 30 Seconds began as a dedicated phone line allowing readers to convey their thoughts within a concise 30-second voicemail. Online submissions were added in 2000.
Spirit newspapers bring new meaning to ‘hybrid vehicle’
One never knows when inspiration will strike. For Paul Bennett, publisher of the Spirit newspapers in Delaware County and West/Southwest Philadelphia, it materialized on a routine drive home.
The Spirit management team was looking for solutions to a nagging issue: printing enough papers to saturate the market. While passing a local graphic design business, Bennett noticed a parked car visible from the highway, the vehicle wrapped bumper to bumper with a company logo. He had an epiphany: a company car operating in its official business capacity while “side hustling” as a mobile brand-marketing tool. In early 2023, planning started in earnest.
Empowering minds: The impact of Newspaper in Education at Gettysburg Times
In the heart of Adams County, the Gettysburg Times takes pride in its longstanding commitment to education through the thriving Newspaper in Education program. This initiative has become a cornerstone in fostering knowledge and engagement among students.
“Newspaper in Education programs are extremely important to our future as an industry and as a business. Newspapers in today’s business climate need to go out and recruit their future readers and advertisers and what better way to do that than putting our product into the hands of young readers,” said Harry Hartman, publisher of the Gettysburg Times and immediate past chairman of the PNA Board of Directors.
“My team fully embraces our NIE program and understands its importance, and there is no better feeling than seeing students reading the Gettysburg Times in their classrooms,” added Hartman.
Trib Total Media reporter shares her story of love, loss and family during the pandemic
For four years, Trib Total Media reporter JoAnne Klimovich Harrop visited her mother, Evelyn, in a Pittsburgh nursing home daily, sometimes staying overnight. In March 2020, during one of those visits, she learned the nursing home would close for two weeks due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The director of nursing told her she could stay, but, if she did, she couldn’t leave.
“It was an easy decision,” she said, adding that her husband, Perry, understood the relationship she had with her mom and wasn’t surprised.
Those two weeks turned into nearly three months. And during those 85 days, Harrop kept a journal about her experience.
The New Pittsburgh Courier’s legacy of celebrating Black excellence
Established in 1907 by Edward Harleston, a guard in the H.J. Heinz food-packing plant, the New Pittsburgh Courier stands as one of the nation’s foremost platforms for celebrating and recognizing outstanding achievements within the African American community.
At the core of the paper’s commitment to celebrating Black excellence are its annual FAB 40 Under 40 Awards, Women of Excellence Awards, and Men of Excellence Awards. These prestigious accolades have become a cornerstone of the newspaper’s mission to acknowledge, recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of Black professionals in the greater Pittsburgh region.
Altoona Mirror for the win
Venture into a mid-to-small-size Pennsylvania market and pick up the local newspaper. Don’t be surprised if high school sports reign supreme. Case in point, a newspaper in Altoona is taking the initiative to grow its high school sports coverage to new heights. By utilizing a multimedia approach, the goal is to produce content that showcases high school athletes to a wider audience while securing new revenue streams. The results of this new endeavor are impressive.
‘Fun in the Sun’ series illuminates global adventures
In Hummelstown, Hershey and Palmyra, nestled in Dauphin and Lebanon counties, The Sun has been a steadfast source of local news for over 150 years. Rooted in its commitment to community journalism, this weekly newspaper has embarked on a new journey that transcends its small-town origins. The Sun’s “Fun in the Sun” series has become an exceptional example of one paper’s enduring connection with its readers and the world beyond.
For nearly a decade and a half, The Sun has been encouraging its readers to take a slice of home with them wherever they go. The “Fun in the Sun” series invites readers to bring a copy of the paper on their travels and capture moments in various corners of the globe. From bustling cities and states across the U.S. to far-flung destinations in Africa, this grassroots movement has transformed The Sun into a global ambassador for the communities it serves.
Giving back to the community
It is no secret local newspapers are an invaluable resource to the communities they serve. They deliver local, national and international news to keep readers informed, raise public awareness about issues affecting the community, promote small businesses with advertising and cover local events that bring people together. However some papers take their commitment to community service to a higher level by planning charitable events. The efforts of three Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association members highlight how newspapers can strengthen their ties to the community through leadership, goodwill and compassion.
WITF-LNP Media – News & Brews
Community engagement event at brewpub helps journalists connect with audiences
A fundamental tenet guiding local and regional news organizations is to provide valued, trusted coverage to the communities they serve. Thus, it is essential for these organizations to build and foster a strong rapport with the public. To do this, many media companies formulate community outreach initiatives. These events allow media staff to interact directly with their audience and receive feedback on the spot.
Two Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association members recently teamed up for one such event in Lititz, Lancaster County. WITF, a PBS television/radio affiliate in Harrisburg, and the WITF-owned LNP Media Group of Lancaster hosted News & Brews, a community engagement event at the Lititz Shirt Factory, a brewpub, art gallery and music venue in the borough.
The Times Leader – Working the Trades
Working the trades works wonders for Wilkes-Barre
One of the most effective ways newspapers can reach a niche audience in their markets is with special sections. These supplements take on a theme near and dear to a reader’s heart, such as holidays, weddings, health care or football. They offer advertisers the opportunity to target their products and services directly to their intended demographic.
The Times Leader Media Group in Wilkes-Barre took its special section game up a notch with its first “Working the Trades” section. This powerful little packet combines two popular special section topics, careers and continuing education, and ties them right back to the community by showcasing some of the strongest economic drivers in the region: manufacturing and trades.
After forging relationships with schools, local businesses and nonprofits like Johnson College, Sordoni Construction and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, an idea was formed by Publisher Kerry Miscavage to produce a regional guide directed at a unique niche in the market: high school juniors and seniors.
The Tribune-Democrat’s Johnstown Magazine
The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown) produces a glossy monthly publication, Johnstown Magazine, for residents of and visitors to Cambria County. Since its debut in 2005, the lifestyle magazine has included pieces on food and dining, fashion, history, entertainment and interesting people.
Each month, a special feature focuses on topics ranging from senior living to home improvement.
In June, the publication hosted a live event to reveal the winners of its “Best of Johnstown” contest that awarded prizes in more than 80 categories. The distribution of that month’s issue was held until the day of the event to help build the suspense.
