Mike Pride, the former editor of the Concord Monitor, a regional newspaper in New Hampshire, has died at the age of 76. Pride was known for his innovative and successful approach to local journalism, and his legacy is still felt in the industry today.
Pride took over the Concord Monitor in 1983, when the paper was struggling and on the brink of closure. Under his leadership, the paper went through a dramatic transformation. Pride introduced new features, such as a Sunday edition and a popular daily column called “Monitorials,” which focused on local news and events.
Pride’s efforts paid off, and the Concord Monitor became a nationally recognized model for successful regional newspapers. It was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 2008 for its coverage of the 2007 New Hampshire primary.
Pride was also a leader in the field of diversity and inclusion in journalism. He founded the New England First Amendment Coalition, which advocates for transparency and freedom of the press, and was a member of the board of directors for the National Association of Black Journalists.
Pride’s impact on local journalism was felt beyond the Concord Monitor. He served as the administrator of the Pulitzer Prizes from 1999 to 2003 and was a professor of journalism at the University of Maine.
In a statement, current Concord Monitor editor Steve Leone said, “Mike was a visionary who believed in the power of journalism to change communities for the better. He leaves behind a legacy that inspires journalists across the country to this day.”
Pride will be remembered as a champion for local news and an innovator in the field of journalism. His legacy will continue to influence the industry for years to come.