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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.

Eleven outstanding journalists will be inducted into the 2025 class of the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame:
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

Congratulations to the 2024 inductees:

  • Molly Abraham
  • John Bebow
  • Carolyn Clifford-Goss
  • Eric Freedman
  • Jeff Gilbert
  • Larry Lee

Sponsors

  • Silver Sponsor: CMU School of Communication, Journalism, & Media
  • Bronze Sponsor: UWW-Kathleen Lomako, Anne Masterson, & Lorna Utley
  • Table Sponsor: Margaret Trimer and Daymon J. Hartley

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.