Texas Metro News’ very own Cheryl Smith has just been named one of “Editor & Publisher” Magazine’s annual “25 Over 50” media list.
[SEE ALSO: Watch This NABJ 2022 Awards Overview With Special Recap Of 2020 And 2021 NABJ Awardees]
Each year, the publication recognizes news media professionals for “their strong work ethic, transformational mindsets, commitment to journalistic and publishing excellence,” wrote the magazine.
Smith, who was nominated by NABJ Region 3 Director Eva Coleman, is an award-winning journalist with more than 35 years of experience in the industry. She currently owns and is the publisher and executive editor of I Messenger Media News Group, which is home to Texas Metro News, Garland Journal, and I Messenger newspapers. Smith also serves as Region IV President for the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), a board member of the Society of Professional Journalists – Fort Worth, and is the immediate past president of the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Journalists (DFW/ABJ).
Among her myriad awards and honors, Smith was most recently inducted into the 2022 National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame for her outstanding contributions as a legendary Black journalist in media.
“It is an honor to be included with these very talented and committed publishers. Their stories are not only inspiring and thought-provoking, but they are also showing their passion and love for journalism. Together we make journalism better,” said Smith. “It is especially exciting to share this honor with the dynamic NNPA Publisher of the Year, Francis “Toni” Draper. For 130 years, the AFRO has set the standard and she has been a guiding force as she follows in the rich tradition of her great-grandfather’s legacy.”
Click here to read her interview with “Editor & Publisher” about her first job, most important lessons, and what has been her biggest sense of accomplishment over her storied career.
