advertisement

Daily Herald editor John Lampinen named to prestigious Lincoln League of Journalists

Daily Herald Editor John Lampinen was inducted into the prestigious Lincoln League of Journalists Thursday by the Illinois Associated Press Media Editors.

Lampinen, the editor since 2001 and also senior vice president of parent company Paddock Publications, was honored during the IAPME/Illinois Press Association annual convention in Springfield.

"This was a great surprise," Lampinen said, thanking the IAPME board and mentioning the numerous journalists in the audience who'd gotten their starts at the Daily Herald.

"I feel pleased to think I may have touched their careers in some way, but I'm even more blessed that they have touched mine and inspired mine," he said.

Lampinen was introduced by Douglas K. Ray, chairman, CEO and publisher of Paddock Publications Inc., who lauded Lampinen for holding true to his motto: "Our goal is to make the world a little better place."

Lampinen, Ray said, sets high standards for the staff and for himself, including last year writing an award-winning series, "The Last Kiss," which revolved around the death of a suburban man in a motorcycle crash and explored the challenges of losing a loved one.

After publication began, letters and emails "poured into the office. He found a connection and struck a chord. That is great journalism," Ray said.

Lampinen's induction was announced by Dennis Anderson, executive editor of the Peoria Journal Star and a former editor at the Daily Herald.

The Lincoln League of Journalists honors those who have provided exemplary service to other journalists and to newspapers in Illinois.

Lampinen has served as a past president of the IAPME executive board. He also holds or has held memberships in the American Society of News Editors, the Chicago Journalists Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Midwest Press Institute, and he has been an adjunct professor for the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

In his role as editor, Lampinen has led efforts to build on the mission of public service and to educate the public through the Daily Herald's Facts Matter campaign.

Lampinen, a native of Waukegan and graduate of the University of Illinois, has dedicated virtually his entire career to the Daily Herald and its readers. Under his leadership, the newspaper has won numerous Public Service and Community Service awards, as well as several Illinois AP General Excellence awards.

Lampinen joins 21 previous inductees recognized for their contributions to the industry.

Douglas K. Ray, chairman, CEO and publisher of Paddock Publications Inc., introduces Daily Herald Editor John Lampinen, who was inducted Thursday into the prestigious Lincoln League of Journalists. Courtesy of Sarah Rogers
Daily Herald Editor John Lampinen
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.