PORTLAND, Maine — In the July issue of Down East Magazine, the magazine of Maine, the Bangor Daily News was named best newspaper in the state.
The magazine’s readers in their thousands chose the paper among all other Maine papers for the top honor. All winners, including editors’ choice, were celebrated Thursday night at The Portland Club.
“We hope this is the first of many more recognitions to come for the BDN,” Deandra Briggs, BDN’s director of marketing, said.
Briggs joined scores of companies and personalities in a range of categories. Under entertainment, Bangor’s Stephen King (not in attendance) was named best author and Bill Nemitz of the Portland Press Herald took best columnist.
In the editor’s choice, Maine Forest Yurts in Durham won best “step up from a campground,” Maine State Pier won best new concert venue and Tolman Pond Market won best “hamburger from a gas station.”
“This is one of the most exciting and difficult issues,” Down East Editor-in-Chief Kathleen Fleury said of the selection process for editors’ picks. “Our editors spend the year hunting down their favorites, and then there’s some serious discussion about which ones make the cut. In a state with so many fabulous options, it’s tough to narrow the list to a select few.”
Briggs, who enjoyed the evening’s finery, music, raw bar and passed hors d’oeuvres, does not take the accolade lightly.
“It was an honor and an attribute to our dedication to be known as a statewide news product,” she said. “We love the fact that Down East readers have recognized our ability to deliver coverage, from Madawaska to Wells.”
The Bangor Daily News was selected by popular vote from readers who voted online and by ballot. A total of 5,000 voters participated. The full list will be in the magazine, which hits newsstands June 23.
