We’ve got you covered with MPA T-shirts (crewneck & v-neck, $30), Hoodies ($45), and Caps ($20). Colors include ash, heather navy, and light blue. Prices include shipping and all proceeds go directly to the MPA Scholarship Fund. Contact MPA Executive Director Diane Norton for more info or to place your order: mainepressmail@gmail.com
Now that the dust has settled and all of the rogue checks, cash, and IOUs have been processed, we’re pleased to report a whopping $5,657 of donations to the MPA Scholarship Fund. Many thanks to the businesses and members that made, solicited, and/or gathered donations; to our Auctioneer Extraordinaire Aimsel Ponti who kept the excitement steady, and to all of you generous MPA members and guests for bidding high, bidding often, and purchasing MPA logowear. We suspect the MPA Scholarship Committee will be tickled at the thought of providing even more financial support in the coming year for aspiring student journalists here in Maine.
Independence Day Fireworks by Rosemary Wyman, Castine Patriot
Congrats to the winners of the 2023 MPA Better Newspaper Contest. This year’s competition boasted 1475 entries from 37 newspapers & digital outlets competing in 59 categories and three divisions. Thanks to our 2023 Contest Partners including Lynne Lance, and the Utah Press Association.
We’re making the move from a published awards supplement to an online viewing site this year where you can see the winners, winning entries, and judges’ comments. Click Here to connect to all categories with the exception of General Excellence Advertising, General Excellence Print, Best in Show, and Individual Awards. For those categories, Click Here.
We’re looking forward to seeing all of you at the 2023 MPA’s Conference Saturday, Oct. 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 363 Maine Mall Road, Portland.
8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. | Annual Business Meeting
The Annual Business Meeting of the Maine Press Association will kick off the MPA’s 2023 Conference. Members will elect new board members and consider amendments to the association’s bylaws.
9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.| Answering your questions on Maine’s Right to Know
This year’s Right to Know panel will feature Sig Schutz, libel and defamation expert from Preti Flaherty law firm; Judy Meyer, Sun Journal executive editor and Maine Right to Know Advisory Committee member; and Lynda Clancy, PenBay Pilot editorial director and Maine Right to Know Advisory Committee member. Questions will likely include:
9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.| Panel: A Sustainable Newspapers in Education Program
The Ellsworth American and Mount Desert Islander have had a sustainable Newspapers in Education program for close to 20 years. In 2022, they launched an NIE initiative for Knox and Waldo County with the Courier-Gazette and Republican Journal. Cathy Marshall and Chris Crockett will showcase the structure of the program including launching NIE in new markets, classroom solicitation, engaging with the teachers and covering the cost of the program through sponsorships and advertising.
9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.| Panel: How to get smarter with your I-Phone photos
Tips from Sun Journal photographer Russ Dillingham on how to take better photos with your iPhone or other camera.
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Panel: Navigating AI in Journalism with Dwayne Desaulniers
A dive deep into the evolving landscape of journalism in the age of AI. The media realm is on the brink of a transformative shift with the advent of Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI-assisted bots. These tools are not only revolutionizing the way journalists research and present stories but are also enhancing the digital news consumption experience. Join us for an enlightening session with Dwayne Desaulniers as he delves into:
Plus, bring and share your unique prompt ideas for real-time testing and feedback. About the Speaker: Dwayne Desaulniers has served as AP’s New England representative from 2015 to 2020. He’s now channeling his expertise into business development at AP’s New York City headquarters.
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Panel: Alternative Revenue Sources
How can publishers drive revenue beyond advertising, sponsorships and subscriptions? Newspaper archives, puzzles, events and ticketing can all be a source of revenue. Who should attend? Anyone in charge of delivering revenue would benefit from this discussion. Join Allison McCann, Group Vice President, Business Development at Maine Trust for Local News.
12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon
Honoring the 2023 Inductees: James McCarthy and Ken Waltz.
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Keynote address | A new path forward: The Maine Trust for Local News
Ross McDuffie, the Chief Portfolio Officer for the National Trust for Local News, will be our keynote speaker. With deep leadership experience at Lee Enterprises and McClatchy, Ross now oversees the National Trust’s growing portfolio of properties including the Maine Trust for Local News (the former Masthead Maine).
3:15 to 4:15 p.m. | Editor + Student Meet & Greet
Looking for the next generation of journalists? Make connections with students interested in a career in journalism. Join us at our Editor + Student Meet and Greet where editors can share their perspective on journalism in Maine and students can learn more about our member publications in a casual, social exchange.
5:00 to 6:30 p.m. | Annual Scholarship Auction & Reception
Join MPA members and guests for the Annual Scholarship Auction & Reception, featuring Auctioneer Extraordinaire Aimsel Ponti. All proceeds from the auction benefit the MPA Scholarship Fund
6:30 p.m. | Awards Dinner & Banquet
Who will be this year’s Advertising Person of the Year, Journalist of the Year, Bob Drake Young Writer, and Unsung Hero?
Master of (All) Ceremonies Greg Rec is sure to have the bad-joke jar ready, an entertaining array of hats, and possibly a song or two as we celebrate the winners of the 2023 Better Newspaper Contest and individual awards.
We’re looking forward to seeing all of you at the 2023 MPA’s Conference next Saturday, Oct. 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 363 Maine Mall Road, Portland.
Registration is required for attendance at the Conference, and while the registration deadline has passed, you can check availability be contacting Diane Norton at mainepressmail@gmail.com.
The hotel room reservation deadline and special MPA Conference rate of $189 has also passed. The hotel will try but cannot guarantee group rate & room availability beyond the deadline (9/29). Call the hotel directly at 1-207-775-6161 to learn more.
8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. | Annual Business Meeting
The Annual Business Meeting of the Maine Press Association will kick off the MPA’s 2023 Conference. Members will elect new board members and consider amendments to the association’s bylaws.
9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.| Answering your questions on Maine’s Right to Know
This year’s Right to Know panel will feature Sig Schutz, libel and defamation expert from Preti Flaherty law firm; Judy Meyer, Sun Journal executive editor and Maine Right to Know Advisory Committee member; and Lynda Clancy, PenBay Pilot editorial director and Maine Right to Know Advisory Committee member. Questions will likely include:
9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.| Panel: A Sustainable Newspapers in Education Program
The Ellsworth American and Mount Desert Islander have had a sustainable Newspapers in Education program for close to 20 years. In 2022, they launched an NIE initiative for Knox and Waldo County with the Courier-Gazette and Republican Journal. Cathy Marshall and Chris Crockett will showcase the structure of the program including launching NIE in new markets, classroom solicitation, engaging with the teachers and covering the cost of the program through sponsorships and advertising.
9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.| Panel: How to get smarter with your I-Phone photos
Tips from Sun Journal photographer Russ Dillingham on how to take better photos with your iPhone or other camera.
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Panel: Navigating AI in Journalism with Dwayne Desaulniers
A dive deep into the evolving landscape of journalism in the age of AI. The media realm is on the brink of a transformative shift with the advent of Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI-assisted bots. These tools are not only revolutionizing the way journalists research and present stories but are also enhancing the digital news consumption experience. Join us for an enlightening session with Dwayne Desaulniers as he delves into:
Plus, bring and share your unique prompt ideas for real-time testing and feedback. About the Speaker: Dwayne Desaulniers has served as AP’s New England representative from 2015 to 2020. He’s now channeling his expertise into business development at AP’s New York City headquarters.
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Panel: Alternative Revenue Sources
How can publishers drive revenue beyond advertising, sponsorships and subscriptions? Newspaper archives, puzzles, events and ticketing can all be a source of revenue. Who should attend? Anyone in charge of delivering revenue would benefit from this discussion. Join Allison McCann, Group Vice President, Business Development at Maine Trust for Local News.
12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon
Honoring the 2023 Inductees: James McCarthy and Ken Waltz.
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Keynote address | A new path forward: The Maine Trust for Local News
Ross McDuffie, the Chief Portfolio Officer for the National Trust for Local News, will be our keynote speaker. With deep leadership experience at Lee Enterprises and McClatchy, Ross now oversees the National Trust’s growing portfolio of properties including the Maine Trust for Local News (the former Masthead Maine).
3:15 to 4:15 p.m. | Editor + Student Meet & Greet
Looking for the next generation of journalists? Make connections with students interested in a career in journalism. Join us at our Editor + Student Meet and Greet where editors can share their perspective on journalism in Maine and students can learn more about our member publications in a casual, social exchange.
5:00 to 6:30 p.m. | Annual Scholarship Auction & Reception
Join MPA members and guests for the Annual Scholarship Auction & Reception, featuring Auctioneer Extraordinaire Aimsel Ponti. All proceeds from the auction benefit the MPA Scholarship Fund
6:30 p.m. | Awards Dinner & Banquet
Who will be this year’s Advertising Person of the Year, Journalist of the Year, Bob Drake Young Writer, and Unsung Hero?
Master of (All) Ceremonies Greg Rec is sure to have the bad-joke jar ready, an entertaining array of hats, and possibly a song or two as we celebrate the winners of the 2023 Better Newspaper Contest and individual awards.
The MPA’s annual conference will be held Saturday, Oct. 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 363 Maine Mall Road, Portland. We have a hotel room block reserved at the special MPA Conference rate of $189. Hotel Room Reservations for Oct. 13-14 must be made directly with the hotel. Click here to book online or call 1-207-775-6161. The Hotel Reservation Deadline is today, Sept. 29. The hotel will try but cannot guarantee group rate & room availability beyond this date.
Registration is required for attendance at the Conference, regardless of whether you plan to attend programming the Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon, and/or the Awards Dinner & Banquet.The conference registration deadline was last Friday, Sept. 22. If you’ve not yet registered, please contact Diane Norton today at mainepressmail@gmail.com. Check the MPA website for the registration form and more information.
8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. | Annual Business Meeting
The Annual Business Meeting of the Maine Press Association will kick off the MPA’s 2023 Conference. Members will elect new board members and consider amendments to the association’s bylaws.
9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.| Answering your questions on Maine’s Right to Know
This year’s Right to Know panel will feature Sig Schutz, libel and defamation expert from Preti Flaherty law firm; Judy Meyer, Sun Journal executive editor and Maine Right to Know Advisory Committee member; and Lynda Clancy, PenBay Pilot editorial director and Maine Right to Know Advisory Committee member. Questions will likely include:
9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.| Panel: A Sustainable Newspapers in Education Program
The Ellsworth American and Mount Desert Islander have had a sustainable Newspapers in Education program for close to 20 years. In 2022, they launched an NIE initiative for Knox and Waldo County with the Courier-Gazette and Republican Journal. Cathy Marshall and Chris Crockett will showcase the structure of the program including launching NIE in new markets, classroom solicitation, engaging with the teachers and covering the cost of the program through sponsorships and advertising.
9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.| Panel: How to get smarter with your I-Phone photos
Tips from Sun Journal photographer Russ Dillingham on how to take better photos with your iPhone or other camera.
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Panel: Navigating AI in Journalism with Dwayne Desaulniers
A dive deep into the evolving landscape of journalism in the age of AI. The media realm is on the brink of a transformative shift with the advent of Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI-assisted bots. These tools are not only revolutionizing the way journalists research and present stories but are also enhancing the digital news consumption experience. Join us for an enlightening session with Dwayne Desaulniers as he delves into:
Plus, bring and share your unique prompt ideas for real-time testing and feedback. About the Speaker: Dwayne Desaulniers has served as AP’s New England representative from 2015 to 2020. He’s now channeling his expertise into business development at AP’s New York City headquarters.
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Panel: Alternative Revenue Sources
How can publishers drive revenue beyond advertising, sponsorships and subscriptions? Newspaper archives, puzzles, events and ticketing can all be a source of revenue. Who should attend? Anyone in charge of delivering revenue would benefit from this discussion. Join Allison McCann, Group Vice President, Business Development at Maine Trust for Local News.
12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon
Honoring the 2023 Inductees: James McCarthy and Ken Waltz.
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Keynote address | A new path forward: The Maine Trust for Local News
Ross McDuffie, the Chief Portfolio Officer for the National Trust for Local News, will be our keynote speaker. With deep leadership experience at Lee Enterprises and McClatchy, Ross now oversees the National Trust’s growing portfolio of properties including the Maine Trust for Local News (the former Masthead Maine).
3:15 to 4:15 p.m. | Editor + Student Meet & Greet
Looking for the next generation of journalists? Make connections with students interested in a career in journalism. Join us at our Editor + Student Meet and Greet where editors can share their perspective on journalism in Maine and students can learn more about our member publications in a casual, social exchange.
5:00 to 6:30 p.m. | Annual Scholarship Auction & Reception
Join MPA members and guests for the Annual Scholarship Auction & Reception, featuring Auctioneer Extraordinaire Aimsel Ponti. All proceeds from the auction benefit the MPA Scholarship Fund
6:30 p.m. | Awards Dinner & Banquet
Who will be this year’s Advertising Person of the Year, Journalist of the Year, Bob Drake Young Writer, and Unsung Hero?
Master of (All) Ceremonies Greg Rec is sure to have the bad-joke jar ready, an entertaining array of hats, and possibly a song or two as we celebrate the winners of the 2023 Better Newspaper Contest and individual awards.
The MPA’s annual conference will be held Saturday, Oct. 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 363 Maine Mall Road, Portland. A full day of events is planned, including informative sessions, the 2023 Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon, the annual Scholarship Auction & Reception with Auctioneer Extraordinaire Aimsel Ponti, and the 2023 Better Newspaper Awards Dinner & Banquet with Master of (All) Ceremonies Greg Rec.
Come to the Conference and engage with other MPA members, learn something new at the variety of programming, drive up the bidding at the Scholarship Auction, and cheer on your comrades and friends as we name Best Newspaper, Best Website, Journalist of the Year, Best Young Writer, Advertising Person of the Year, and Unsung Hero.
The Conference Registration Deadline is today, Sept. 22. Registration is required for attendance at the Conference, regardless of whether you plan to attend programming the Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon, and/or the Awards Dinner & Banquet. If you’ve not yet mailed in your registration and payment, please scan a copy of your registration form and email it to Diane Norton today at mainepressmail@gmail.com. Check the MPA website for the registration form and more information.
Hotel Room Reservations for Oct. 13-14 must be made directly with the hotel. We have a room block reserved at the special MPA Conference rate of $189. Click here to book online or call 1-207-775-6161.The Hotel Reservation Deadline is Sept. 29. The hotel will try but cannot guarantee group rate & room availability beyond this date.
MPA Conference Schedule
8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. | Annual Business Meeting
The Annual Business Meeting of the Maine Press Association will kick off the MPA’s 2023 Conference. Members will elect new board members and consider amendments to the association’s bylaws.
9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.| Answering your questions on Maine’s Right to Know
This year’s Right to Know panel will feature Sig Schutz, libel and defamation expert from Preti Flaherty law firm; Judy Meyer, Sun Journal executive editor and Maine Right to Know Advisory Committee member; and Lynda Clancy, PenBay Pilot editorial director and Maine Right to Know Advisory Committee member. Questions will likely include:
9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.| Panel: A Sustainable Newspapers in Education Program
The Ellsworth American and Mount Desert Islander have had a sustainable Newspapers in Education program for close to 20 years. In 2022, they launched an NIE initiative for Knox and Waldo County with the Courier-Gazette and Republican Journal. Cathy Marshall and Chris Crockett will showcase the structure of the program including launching NIE in new markets, classroom solicitation, engaging with the teachers and covering the cost of the program through sponsorships and advertising.
9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.| Panel: How to get smarter with your I-Phone photos
Tips from Sun Journal photographer Russ Dillingham on how to take better photos with your iPhone or other camera.
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Panel: Navigating AI in Journalism with Dwayne Desaulniers
A dive deep into the evolving landscape of journalism in the age of AI. The media realm is on the brink of a transformative shift with the advent of Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI-assisted bots. These tools are not only revolutionizing the way journalists research and present stories but are also enhancing the digital news consumption experience. Join us for an enlightening session with Dwayne Desaulniers as he delves into:
Plus, bring and share your unique prompt ideas for real-time testing and feedback. About the Speaker: Dwayne Desaulniers has served as AP’s New England representative from 2015 to 2020. He’s now channeling his expertise into business development at AP’s New York City headquarters.
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Panel: Alternative Revenue Sources
How can publishers drive revenue beyond advertising, sponsorships and subscriptions? Newspaper archives, puzzles, events and ticketing can all be a source of revenue. Who should attend? Anyone in charge of delivering revenue would benefit from this discussion. Join Allison McCann, Group Vice President, Business Development at Maine Trust for Local News.
12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon
Honoring the 2023 Inductees: James McCarthy and Ken Waltz.
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Keynote address | A new path forward: The Maine Trust for Local News
Ross McDuffie, the Chief Portfolio Officer for the National Trust for Local News, will be our keynote speaker. With deep leadership experience at Lee Enterprises and McClatchy, Ross now oversees the National Trust’s growing portfolio of properties including the Maine Trust for Local News (the former Masthead Maine).
3:15 to 4:15 p.m. | Editor + Student Meet & Greet
Looking for the next generation of journalists? Make connections with students interested in a career in journalism. Join us at our Editor + Student Meet and Greet where editors can share their perspective on journalism in Maine and students can learn more about our member publications in a casual, social exchange.
5:00 to 6:30 p.m. | Annual Scholarship Auction & Reception
Join MPA members and guests for the Annual Scholarship Auction & Reception, featuring Auctioneer Extraordinaire Aimsel Ponti. All proceeds from the auction benefit the MPA Scholarship Fund
6:30 p.m. | Awards Dinner & Banquet
Who will be this year’s Advertising Person of the Year, Journalist of the Year, Bob Drake Young Writer, and Unsung Hero?
Master of (All) Ceremonies Greg Rec is sure to have the bad-joke jar ready, an entertaining array of hats, and possibly a song or two as we celebrate the winners of the 2023 Better Newspaper Contest and individual awards.
The MPA’s annual conference will be held Saturday, Oct. 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 363 Maine Mall Road, Portland. A full day of events is planned, including informative sessions, the 2023 Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon, the annual Scholarship Auction & Reception with Auctioneer Extraordinaire Aimsel Ponti, and the 2023 Better Newspaper Awards Dinner & Banquet with Master of (All) Ceremonies Greg Rec.
Come to the Conference and engage with other MPA members, learn something new at the variety of programming, drive up the bidding at the Scholarship Auction, and cheer on your comrades and friends as we name Best Newspaper, Best Website, Journalist of the Year, Best Young Writer, Advertising Person of the Year, and Unsung Hero.
Registration is required for attendance at the Conference, regardless of whether you plan to attend programming the Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon, and/or the Awards Dinner & Banquet. The Conference Registration Deadline is Sept. 22. Check the MPA website for the registration form and more information.
Hotel Room Reservations for Oct. 13-14 must be made directly with the hotel. We have a room block reserved at the special MPA Conference rate of $189. Click here to book online or call 1-207-775-6161.The Hotel Reservation Deadline is Sept. 29. The hotel will try but cannot guarantee group rate & room availability beyond this date.
Two new members will enter the Maine Press Association Hall of Fame on October 14. James McCarthy and Ken Waltz have been selected by the MPA’s Hall of Fame Committee and will be inducted during the luncheon at this year’s Fall Conference.
James McCarthy
A Maine newspaperman for going on 40 years, James McCarthy has done it all — from beat reporting to editorial writer, to city editor and executive editor.
By the early 1980’s McCarthy was at The Times Record, where he worked his way up from reporter to city editor and eventually executive editor. Calling Brunswick home, he put down roots, raising his family there and embedding himself in the community.
For many years, McCarthy volunteered his time to help young journalists at the student-led newspaper at the University of Southern Maine, The Free Press. There, he spent countless hours mentoring students and offering advice.
McCarthy left The Times Record in 2010 and quickly found work as a temporary editor at the Bangor Daily News and the day that stint was over, McCarthy was hired on at Mainebiz, where he stayed for nearly a decade.
After his retirement in 2019, McCarthy knew he wanted to keep chronicling his adopted home. But this time, he wanted to do it with mostly pictures, instead of words.
McCarthy continues to report on the world around him, creating zines that challenge people to think about their surroundings. From racial and economic justice to Maine’s changing rural landscape and Native American struggles for cleaner water and tribal sovereignty, he continues to tell stories that are as meaningful as they are thought provoking.
Ken Waltz
For decades, Ken Waltz has worked relentlessly as a sportswriter, photographer and editor for The Courier-Gazette, The Camden Herald, The Republican Journal and VillageSoup websites.
He retired from his newspaper career in July.
Ken is a perfect example of what a hometown paper’s sportswriter should be.
He has served as a mentor and example to young writers and photographers over the years and often encouraged cub reporters by taking an active interest in their lives. He has given tutorials on AP Style and photography to anyone who wanted to take advantage of his generous spirit.
Ken has worked with countless student athletes, coaches, athletic directors, educators and community leaders in the Midcoast and has left a lasting impression with each.
He was inducted into the Midcoast Sports Hall of Fame in 2016 and over the course of his career has received more than 300 Maine Press Association awards and more than a dozen New England Press Association awards for his writing, photography and page design.
The MPA Hall of Fame, established in 1998, honors newspaper people with Maine connections who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. Its members are on the MPA website, at http://mainepressassociation.org/hall-of-fame/. Tickets to the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which takes place during the luncheon, are available by contacting MPA Executive Director Diane Norton at mainepressmail@gmail.com or 691-0131.
Plans are well underway for the 2023 MPA Conference to be held Saturday, Oct. 14 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Portland. We’ll be providing hotel and conference registration information very soon and hope to share Better Newspaper Contest results with entrants by the end of next week. We also expect to hear from the Hall of Fame Committee with the 2023 HOF Inductees.
Meanwhile, we’re pleased to report that the delightful duo of Scholarship Fund Auctioneer Extraordinaire Aimsel Ponti and Master of Awards & Disguises Greg Rec will be reprising their respective roles. Be sure to mark the calendar and save the date.