Virginia Press Association

We're #hiring a new Media Sales Representative in Glen Allen, Virginia. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Local news plays a critical role in keeping communities informed, engaged, and connected. Nonprofit organizations are often closest to the people and issues shaping everyday life. But when these sectors are disconnected, important community stories can go untold.   Attention Nonprofits: Attend the next session of The Current, sponsored by the Virginia Local News Project, for a discussion on how local media and nonprofits can work together to elevate important community stories.   Who’s Telling Your Story? Local News, Nonprofits, and the Communities that Need You Both   Moderated by Betsy Edwards, Virginia Press Association & Virginia Local News Project Executive Director   Thursday, May 21 I 3:00-4:30 PM I Libbie Mill Library - 2100 Libbie Lake East St, Henrico, VA 23230 Save Your Seat >> https://lnkd.in/eXtu7KTE

Congratulations to Virginia Press Association member, The Washington Post, on earning two Pulitzer Prizes that were announced today! The Post received the public service award for its reporting on efforts to reshape the federal workforce, revealing the real-world impact on government employees and operations. The newsroom also was honored for feature photography, awarded to former staff photographer Jahi Chikwendiu for documenting a young couple coping with a terminal cancer diagnosis while awaiting the birth of their daughter. These awards underscore the role of strong journalism in holding institutions accountable and telling stories that matter. Congratulations to the entire Post team on this recognition. Read story here: https://lnkd.in/eS26rysV

Citizens applauded Friday afternoon (May 1) in Monterey, Virginia as a state historical marker was unveiled recognizing The Recorder, a weekly newspaper that has served the region since 1877. Installed earlier in the week by Virginia Department of Transportation, the marker dedication drew about 75 attendees, including community leaders, legislators and members of Virginia’s news industry. The recognition highlights more than longevity. It underscores the essential role local newspapers play in documenting community life and strengthening civic engagement across generations. As Brendan Burke of the Virginia Department of Historic Resources noted, the marker ensures future passersby will understand the newspaper’s significance to the region for nearly 150 years. Founded in the post-Civil War era, The Recorder began with a hand-operated press hauled by wagon into Highland County. That spirit of commitment to local storytelling continues today. “Today is special to us because we’re recognizing something worth holding onto and ensuring future generations understand the value of local journalism," saod Anne Adams, publisher and owner of The Recorder. "I love that for almost anyone born and raised in our area, their stories are told from birth to death and everything they did in between. A historic record like that can be found nowhere else but a local newspaper.”

I'm honored to report that a video I created alongside Guillaume Ptak and David Gordon was awarded Best-in-Show at this year’s Virginia Press Association news and advertising contest. The piece draws from Guillaume’s on-the-ground footage of Ukrainian drone operators holding the frontline against Russian forces — it was described by judges as “a powerful, newsy and well-done” report. If you’re interested, you can watch it here: https://lnkd.in/e_M3uBiQ Big thank you to Guillaume, whose fearless reporting has been humbling to watch. Projects like this are never a solo effort, and I’m lucky to work with such thoughtful, talented people who care deeply about the stories we’re telling.

📣 Unwind After Deadline Giveaway Attendees at the 2026 VPA Conference who participate in every daytime session will be entered to win our Unwind After Deadline prize basket. Simply attend each session and have your card marked at the end. Turn in your completed card at the final session, where one winner will be drawn. 🎁 Prize includes: • Amazon Kindle • Portable power bank • HydroJug coffee mug • Tea sampler • Amazon gift card It’s our way of rewarding those who stay engaged in the conversations shaping the future of local journalism. Make sure you register today to join us. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e67kgBrk

Join us for the 2026 VPA Conference & Awards Banquet — and make sure you’re in the room for this one. 🏆 Two NEW awards — with cash prizes — will be announced live at the banquet! 🎉 Register by March 18 and you’ll be automatically entered to win a complimentary one-night stay at The Virginian Hotel. Register today: https://lnkd.in/e67kgBrk

Enhance your 2026 VPA Conference experience. Register for the Conference & Awards Banquet by March 18 and you’ll be automatically entered to win a complimentary one-night stay at The Virginian Hotel in Lynchburg. Please note: the complimentary stay is not valid during the conference dates. Join colleagues from across the industry for professional development, networking, and a celebration of excellence — with a future getaway on us. Register here: https://lnkd.in/e67kgBrk

Session: FOIA in Action – From Request to Results Walk through the full lifecycle of a public records request: writing effective requests, negotiating scope, challenging fees, and overcoming delays. Learn tips, success stories, and creative strategies for accessing valuable records. 📅 Register here: https://lnkd.in/e67kgBrk

We're #hiring a new Advertising Sales Director - VPA in Glen Allen, Virginia. Apply today or share this post with your network.