Tuesday
August 13, 2024 
Midway into his second year in the editor’s chair at the Bucks County Herald, John Anastasi has earned a place on Editor & Publisher Magazine’s list of 17 exemplary editors working at news media companies around the nation.
As a member of E&P’s “Editors Extraordinaire” Class of 2024, Anastasi was recognized alongside journalists from The Washington Post, The Richmond Times-Dispatch, Nashville Scene, The Daily Progress in Charlottesville, Pennsylvania’s Spirit Media Group Inc. and others.
“It’s an honor to receive this acknowledgment from a highly regarded and influential trade publication,” said Anastasi. “But without the talented team here at the Herald, and the incredible support we receive from our community, this award doesn’t happen.”
The Middletown Township resident spent 22 years at the Bucks County Courier Times and The Intelligencer before being named Editor-in-Chief of the Herald in December 2022.
“I learned so much from the incredibly talented editors I have worked with over the course of my career. To be able to apply those learnings at an independent paper that puts mission and service to the community first is a dream come true,” said Anastasi. “I am also so grateful for the support of my family.”
In nominating Anastasi, Herald Publisher Joseph G. Wingert called him “a shining example of editorial excellence, dedication and innovation in the field of journalism.”
While remaining committed to the Herald as a top-notch weekly print publication, Anastasi quadrupled digital readership in 2023, expanded municipal and school district coverage, started a weekly arts newsletter and engaged with readers through the Herald’s first-ever readership survey, assembled a reader advisory panel and led a series of “Coffee With the Editor” events.
The Herald’s newsroom recently took 14 prizes in the annual Keystone Media Awards contest, hosted by the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association.
“He is actively involved in mentoring aspiring journalists, developing the next generation of storytellers, and advocating for the importance of local journalism in fostering informed and engaged communities,” Wingert continued.
Robin Blinder, E&P’s editor-in-chief, said that while not as celebrated as bylined reporters and columnists, editors’ contributions should not be overlooked.
“They lead the newsroom, determine what stories should be told and challenge assertions with unwavering commitment to the public’s interest,” said Blinder. “Their insight, experience and leadership are indispensable and elevate journalism to new heights.”
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