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THE MICHIGAN JOURNALISM HALL OF FAME

The Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame recognizes reporters, editors, publishers, owners, photographers, broadcasters, educators, and others who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. The Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame was established to recognize those who have advanced the legacy of a free and responsible press and who have inspired others to improve the quality of the profession.

It acknowledges the service and dedication of individuals whose distinguished contributions to the profession in their communities, regions or the state have earned them a place in the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. Induction memorializes extraordinary and clearly outstanding careers. From its beginnings in 1952 by the Newspaper Hall of Fame, the Journalism Hall of Fame has continued the tradition of honoring journalists since 1985.

Five outstanding journalists will be inducted into the 2026 class of the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame:

Jeanne Findlater: Vice president and general manager of WXYZ TV-Detroit, her campaigns for teens and literacy went nationwide
Steven Jessmore: CMU grad gained national reputation focusing his lens on small-town Michigan and then wildlife and birds
 Bill Kubota: Storytelling MSU journalism grad’s videos explored the controversial issues of our time
John Lindman: Encyclopedic understanding of Michigan policy and government helped create Gongwer News Service
David Lawrence Jr.: Editor and publisher, Detroit Free Press; advocate for children and newsroom diversity

 

Congratulations to the 2025 inductees:
Cynthia Canty: Michigan radio storyteller
Alex Cruden: Elevated readers and editing
Kirthmon Dozier Sr.: Sports photographer and mentor
John Flesher: Environmental journalist
Cindy Goodaker: Championed the news of business
Daymon J. Hartley: His lens captured social issues
Dorothy Misener Jurney: Took women’s news mainstream
Keith A. Owens: Politics and music journalist
Patricia Ann Rencher: Advocated for older readers’ health
Jam Sardar: Launchpad for TV stories and careers
David Zeman: Editor of high-impact journalism

 

Co-sponsors

  • Asian American Journalists Association
  • The Association for Women in Communications Detroit
  • Detroit Press Club
  • Department of Journalism, Central Michigan University
  • Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists
  • Detroit Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists
  • Department of Communications, Wayne State University
  • Michigan Association of Broadcasters
  • Michigan Interscholastic Press Association
  • Michigan Press Association Foundation
  • Mid-Michigan Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists

If your non-profit journalism organization is interested in being a sponsor,
please call the School of Journalism, MSU 517.353.6430.