BDN wins best daily Maine newspaper award

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  Food and Wine on Sat, Oct 18th, 2025 by Bangor Daily News

Bangor Daily News Secures Maine’s Top Daily Newspaper Award

In a triumph that underscores its enduring commitment to investigative reporting and community service, the Bangor Daily News (BDN) has been named the best daily newspaper in the state of Maine for 2025. The award, presented by the Maine Press Association (MPA), reflects the paper’s consistent excellence across a broad spectrum of journalism—including investigative pieces, local coverage, and multimedia storytelling.

A Recognized Standard of Quality

The MPA’s annual awards, which have been held for more than 90 years, recognize newspapers that demonstrate superior reporting, writing, design, and innovation. According to the MPA’s “Awards & Honors” page, the judging process involves a panel of seasoned journalists and media professionals who evaluate submissions based on criteria such as accuracy, fairness, depth of research, and the impact of the stories on the community. The BDN’s portfolio included a series of investigative reports on the state’s opioid crisis, in-depth coverage of the 2024 state election, and a multimedia feature on Bangor’s growing tech sector—all of which were praised for their thoroughness and clarity.

The Award Announcement

The announcement came during a virtual ceremony hosted by the MPA on Monday evening. The ceremony, which drew participants from newspapers across the state—from the Portland Press Herald to the Hancock County News—celebrated the BDN’s 140-year legacy. In the award’s official press release, the MPA cited the BDN’s “unwavering dedication to delivering timely, accurate, and meaningful news” as the key factor behind its selection.

Editor’s Perspective

BDN editor-in-chief, Mary K. O’Connor, expressed deep gratitude during the live broadcast. “This award is a testament to the hard work of our journalists, photographers, and production staff,” she said. “Our community trusts us to bring them the truth, and it’s an honor to be recognized for that responsibility.” O’Connor added that the award would motivate the newsroom to push further into digital innovation, citing the paper’s recent launch of an interactive data‑visualization hub that tracks public health metrics across Maine.

Spotlight on Investigative Reporting

One of the standout stories that earned the BDN considerable acclaim was its investigative series on the state’s opioid crisis. The series, published in 2024, traced the supply chain of prescription painkillers, highlighted state policy gaps, and gave voice to families affected by addiction. According to a link within the article to the MPA’s “Investigative Reporting” page, such stories are judged on their ability to bring about tangible change. In the case of the opioid series, the BDN’s reporting prompted a statewide review of prescription monitoring programs.

Community Engagement and Multimedia Innovation

Beyond hard news, the BDN’s coverage of local events and cultural initiatives also received recognition. The paper’s “Bangor in the 2024 Summer Arts Festival” feature, which combined live photography, video interviews, and interactive timelines, showcased the paper’s embrace of multimedia storytelling. The MPA’s awards guidelines, referenced in the original article, specifically encourage newspapers to experiment with new formats. “Our team’s willingness to innovate is what sets us apart,” noted O’Connor.

The Significance of a Statewide Award

While the BDN has long been a staple of Maine journalism, this award places it at the pinnacle of daily newspapers statewide. The MPA’s “About the Association” page outlines its mission to “support the professional growth of Maine’s journalists and uphold the highest standards of ethical reporting.” The award, therefore, not only honors the BDN’s past work but also aligns with the MPA’s broader vision of elevating local journalism.

Next Steps for BDN

Following the award, the BDN announced plans to expand its digital presence, including a new podcast series titled “Maine Matters” that will delve deeper into statewide issues. The paper also intends to establish a fellowship program for aspiring journalists, drawing inspiration from the MPA’s “Journalism Fellowship” program highlighted in a linked page. These initiatives signal the BDN’s commitment to fostering future talent and sustaining its journalistic mission.

Final Reflections

The Bangor Daily News’s recognition as Maine’s best daily newspaper underscores the enduring relevance of local journalism in an era dominated by national narratives. By combining rigorous investigative reporting, community engagement, and multimedia innovation, the BDN has not only earned a prestigious award but also reaffirmed its role as a trusted voice for the residents of Bangor and beyond. As the newsroom looks ahead, the award serves as both a milestone and a catalyst for continued excellence in reporting, design, and storytelling across the state.