The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association is proud to present its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award to Sample Media Group CEO Joe Beegle. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes exceptional service and outstanding accomplishment spanning a career in journalism.
Beegle began his nearly 40-year news media career at RichMar Publications in Everett. Starting as a freelance photographer, he quickly progressed through the company as a sportswriter, sports editor and advertising sales representative. After RichMar merged with Thompson Newspapers, he was promoted to the role of advertising manager.
In 1990 he accepted a classified manager position at the Bedford Gazette. He was eventually promoted to assistant advertising director in 2000, when the Gazette was acquired by Sample News Media. Four years later, he rose to the position of publisher at Bedford Gazette, a title he held for 20 years.
His ascension within the company has not stopped there. Earlier this year, Beegle was named CEO of Sample Media Group, owner of the Bedford Gazette and 75 publications in four states. In a quote published July 1 in the Indiana Gazette, Beegle discussed what the new opportunity meant to him. “I have seen many changes since starting as a freelance photographer on Masters Avenue in Everett, Pennsylvania — changes which the newspaper industry has embraced and continues to move toward. I have spent my entire adult life in the newspaper industry. It has been a career that has blessed and continues to bless me, my family, and all the Sample News Group families.”
Colleagues agree that his Lifetime Achievement award is well deserved. “Joe’s commitment to our company and our industry is immediately obvious to anyone who spends time with him,” said Kelly Luvison, publisher of the Gettysburg Times, part of Sample Media Group. “Joe’s THE go-to resource and cheerleader for all of us every week.”
Adams Publishing Group COO Nick Monico, who mentored Beegle early in his career, wrote a nomination letter on his behalf. “I have known Joe for 30 years,” he said. “He was always eager to grow. Management saw his potential and continued to promote him upward with increasing responsibilities. He delivered every time.”
PNA President and CEO William Cotter echoed Monico’s sentiments. “For close to 40 years, Joe Beegle has been a driving force for the news media industry in Pa. Joe’s passion, experience and kindness make him a perfect recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award.”
The 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Beegle at PNA’s 100th Anniversary Gala & Annual Dinner Thursday, Nov. 14, at the Hershey Country Club.
About PNA:
Founded in 1925, PNA is the nonprofit trade association for print and online news media in Pennsylvania. Its mission is to advance the business interests of Pennsylvania news media organizations and to promote the importance of a free and independent press.
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