Pennsylvania News Media Association

12/26/2025

PNA is now accepting entries for the 2026 Student Keystone Media Awards Contest! Entries must be submitted online by January 20.

Any student at a public, private or parochial Pennsylvania high school, college or university who has had their material published in the school news publication may enter the contest.

Learn more and apply: https://panewsmedia.org/contests-and-awards/keystone-media-awards-students/

Award Details The Student Keystone Media Awards contest recognizes high school and college journalism that provides relevance, integrity, and initiative in serving readers. Any student at any public, private or […]

12/22/2025

We are accepting entries for the 2026 PNA Foundation Advertising Contest! PNA members are invited to showcase your best work and be recognized for your outstanding ads, campaigns, classifieds and special publications.

Entries must be submitted online by January 30.

➡️ Click here for full rules, categories and to enter: https://panewsmedia.org/contests-and-awards/pna-foundation-advertising-contest/

🔔 Important reminder: Participation in the PNA Foundation Advertising Contest and the Keystone Media Awards is required to be eligible for the prestigious News Organization of the Year designation.

12/21/2025

Published in 1897, Francis P. Church’s “Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus” became an immediate sensation and endures as one of the most famous editorials ever written. First appearing in The New York Sun, it was reprinted annually until 1949. The editorial was written in response to this now-legendary letter:

Dear Editor—

I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.” Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon

Read the full editorial and explore Virginia O’Hanlon’s reflections on the letter that became a lasting symbol of the holiday season here.

https://www.villageschoolma.org/pdf/YesVirginiathereisaSantaClaus.pdf

12/20/2025

For 40 years, The Herald-Standard (Uniontown) has conducted its annual Give-A-Christmas campaign to support The Salvation Army USA service centers in Fayette County.

“There has been an increase in the number of people who need help this year, whether it’s with food, heating bills or shelter,” said Bob Pinarski, regional publisher for the Herald-Standard. “Give-A-Christmas is a small way we can help those in our community who need it the most.”

Read more in our recent Member Spotlight: https://panewsmedia.org/herald-standards-give-a-christmas-campaign-raises-funds-for-local-salvation-army-programs/

For 40 years, The Herald-Standard (Uniontown) has conducted its annual Give-A-Christmas campaign to support Salvation Army service centers in Fayette County.

12/17/2025

“The Bucks County Foundation’s generous grant will allow us to expand our coverage of the people, issues and organizations shaping life in Lower Bucks County,” said Bucks County Herald Newspaper publisher Joe Wingert.

“From our coverage of hard news to arts and entertainment, we will aim to shine a light on local stories that inform, connect and empower residents throughout the county.”

Continue reading: https://www.buckscountyherald.com/news/bucks-county-herald-foundation-receives-5-000-from-bucks-county-foundation/article_db464e95-a0f9-4369-aafc-03cfbc53b28f.html

The Bucks County Herald Foundation has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Bucks County Foundation to expand and strengthen local reporting in Lower Bucks.

12/16/2025

Attention rising college juniors and seniors with current coursework in journalism, English and/or communications: You’re invited to apply for the 2026 PNA Foundation Newsroom Internship Program!

Selected interns will work at local Pennsylvania newsrooms from 10 to 12 weeks during the summer at a rate of $20 per hour.

Please apply by Friday, January 16. https://pnafoundation.org/2026-pnaf-newsroom-internship-program-application/

📸 At the Bucks County Courier Times, Temple University student Taimar Ward-Stubbs worked closely with Executive Editor Danielle Camilli.

12/15/2025

Tom Baldrige, the former longtime president of the Lancaster Chamber, has been named interim president and CEO of Pennon, the company that owns WITF and LNP + LancasterOnline.

Read more: https://www.witf.org/2025/12/08/former-lancaster-chamber-president-appointed-to-interim-role-as-top-executive-of-witf-lnp/

Tom Baldrige, the former longtime president of the Lancaster Chamber, has been named interim president and CEO of Pennon, the company that owns WI […]

12/14/2025

"The Times-News has been proud to team up with the Old Newsies since 1939 to help our neighbors," said Matt Martin, executive editor at the GoErie.com | Erie Times-News. "And the fact that Erie County residents have donated more than $2 million in that time is evidence of just how hard the Old Newsies work at it, and how much people here care for each other.”

Each December, a familiar burst of festive spirit returns to Erie County as the Times Old Newsies embark on their annual holiday fundraiser.

Read more in our recent member spotlight: https://panewsmedia.org/times-old-newsies-carry-forward-an-86-year-holiday-tradition-of-giving/

📸 Times Old Newsies volunteer Jeff Weiser stands outside the Country Fair in Erie collecting donations for the Times Needy Fund. Weiser has been a member of the Times Old Newsies for more than 20 years.

Each December, a familiar burst of festive spirit returns to Erie County as the Times Old Newsies embark on their annual holiday fundraiser.

12/12/2025

Interested in learning more about one of PNA’s new member benefits for 2026? Join us Dec. 15 for our webinar designed to inform members about free, ready-to-publish children’s content created in partnership with The Washington Post and What on Earth! Magazine, an award-winning publication.

Beginning in January, PNA members can download a weekly children’s educational supplement designed to help newspapers reach families, schools and young readers ages 6–14, at no additional cost.

Get further details during our upcoming webinar: https://panewsmedia.org/event/kidspost_webinar/

12/12/2025

Earlier this week, PNA President and CEO Bill Cotter attended the annual Newspaper Association Managers Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

The conference brought together representatives from 25 press associations, along with national organizations including the News Media Alliance, America’s Newspapers, the National Newspaper Association, the Center for Integrity in News Reporting and Rebuild Local.

Discussion topics included building stronger partnerships for press-freedom advocacy, AI licensing, current threats and opportunities in the legislative landscape, public notices, tax credits for journalists and small businesses, and legal support for local newsrooms.

Thank you for hosting, Newspaper Association Managers!

12/10/2025

Did you miss the recent Make It Free Partners training or learn something valuable and want to catch the recap? The recording is ready for you to watch on your schedule!

Learn how the Make It Free platform offers a new revenue stream at no upfront cost, boosts ad impressions, supports existing paywall systems, and drives stronger engagement with potential new subscribers.

Watch here: https://vimeo.com/1140492200?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

This is "Make It Free Partners - Nov. 2025" by PNA Videos on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

12/09/2025

Attention members: PNA Foundation newsroom internship program applications are due by January 16! 📣

Selected interns will work at local Pennsylvania newsrooms from 10 to 12 weeks during the summer at a rate of $20 per hour.

Rising college juniors and seniors with current coursework in journalism, English and/or communications are invited to apply: https://pnafoundation.org/2026-pnaf-newsroom-internship-program-application/

📸 Darin Martin from Susquehanna University photographed during his internship at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.