Hall plans in-person induction April 9

Inductees include Tim Evans, Tim Harmon, Ed Reinke, Leisa Richardson, Bob Zaltsberg

The Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame will welcome five new members at an induction ceremony April 9 at the Indianapolis Marriott North.

Inductees include Tim Evans, investigative reporter at the Indianapolis Star; Tim Harmon, editorial writer for the (Fort Wayne) Journal Gazette ; the late Ed Reinke, photojournalist for The Associated Press ; Leisa Richardson, executive editor of the State Journal Register in Springfield, Ill.; and Bob Zaltsberg, retired editor of the (Bloomington) Herald-Times.

This is the fourth time the organization has rescheduled its induction of the class of 2020, cancelling each time due to pandemic concerns.

“We are optimistic that this date will finally allow us to celebrate this outstanding class journalism visionaries and innovators for their inspiring and life-changing work,” said Linda Negro, Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame board president. “We will continue to monitor the status of the virus to ensure the safety of our inductees and guests.”

Each year, the organization accepts nominations to the hall of fame. The board of directors considers each nomination, then selects a few for the next induction class. The board has suspended the nomination process for two years, but will begin accepting submissions again this fall.

Meet the 2020 inductees

Tim Evans, Indianapolis Star

In his work as an investigative journalist, Tim Evans was the first reporter to confront USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar about sexual abuse allegations. The stories exposed the culture and policies at USA Gymnastics that brought charges against Nassar and lawsuits against the organization. Evans also works as a consumer reporter, developing the Hoosier Call to Action consumer hotline.

Tim Harmon, (Fort Wayne) Journal Gazette

Tim Harmon worked as managing editor of the Journal-Gazette in Fort Wayne, was the managing editor of the Times of Northwest Indiana and the editor of the South Bend Tribune. He led the Tribune through the transition from afternoon to morning publication, shoring up the bureau system, and developed convergence relationships with sister radio stations, all with tightening resources. After he “retired,” Harmon returned to the Journal Gazette as an editorial writer.

Ed Reinke, Associated Press

The late Ed Reinke was a visual storyteller who worked for the Cincinnati Enquirer before joining the Associated Press. Colleagues say “he saw what others didn’t,” often capturing decisive moments. With his signature red plaid jacket, he was equally as comfortable at local football games as he was at national and international sports events, from the Olympics and World Series to the Kentucky Derby and the Masters golf tournament. Reinke died in 2011 after suffering a fatal head injury during a fall while covering an auto race.

Leisa Richardson, (Springfield, Ill.) State Journal Register

Leisa Richardson has helped diversify news staffs, hiring dozens of people of color and women, as she has worked in newsrooms from the (Anderson) Herald-Bulletin and the Cincinnati Enquirer. She also worked 17 years at the Indianapolis Star in a variety of positions, from metro/region editor to regional planning director. She currently is executive editor of the Springfield, Ill., State Journal Register.

Bob Zaltsberg, (Bloomington) Herald-Times

During his 33 years as editor, Bob Zaltsberg led the newspaper through the transition from afternoon to morning circulation, through the addition of a Sunday edition, into the digital age and, along the way, collected two Blue Ribbon Newspaper honors. He was involved in the Bloomington community as well as state and national journalism organizations. Colleagues say his respectful, steady hand allowed him to “run the newspaper the way a top-notch conductor runs a symphony.”

Attend the ceremony

April 9, 2022

Indianapolis Marriott North

10:30 a.m. reception, followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. and program at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets are $50 each, $25 for children 12 and younger.

More information

Contact hall executive director Lawrence Taylor, via email at INJournalismHOF@gmail.com, for information.