ROD DOSS
The Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association is proud to present its 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award to New Pittsburgh Courier Editor and Publisher Rod Doss. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes exceptional service and outstanding accomplishment spanning a career in journalism.
“As a longstanding member of PNA, I am humbled to be recognized as the recipient of this year’s PNA Lifetime Achievement Award,” Doss said. “Thank you for this very special recognition.”
Doss began his career at the New Pittsburgh Courier in 1967 as an advertising sales representative. Three years later, he was named advertising manager and, over the years, continued his rise through the ranks, advancing to vice president of advertising and then vice president and general manager. He has held the position of editor and publisher since 1997.
In his nominating letter, Assistant to the Publisher Stephan Broadus wrote, “With a small but dedicated staff, Rod makes sure the Courier not only relays the news, but that it uplifts and enlightens by positively portraying and representing the African American community…all while keeping a watchful eye on the bottom line so the paper stays profitable.”
“The name Rod Doss is synonymous with the New Pittsburgh Courier; you rarely hear one mentioned without the other,” said Ashley Johnson, New Pittsburgh Courier sales director. “For 54 years, Mr. Doss has been an intricate part of the Courier’s operation. Over the years, he has been one of the main driving forces that keeps our operation going. He has seen the operation through some of the best and worst of times; but, through it all, his commitment and dedication to the product and, most importantly, the community, has never wavered.”
Throughout his tenure, Doss has continued the success and tradition of the newspaper by remaining flexible to meet the challenges not only of the Courier, but also of the community.
Doss and the Courier have received numerous professional and community awards. In 2018, Doss was awarded the Publisher Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Newspaper Publishers Association.
“The compassion he has for people and making sure there is an outlet where stories of our community can be shared is like none other,” Johnson said.
“He is quick to credit the success of the paper to having good people around him,” Broadus wrote in his letter. “His tireless dedication and commitment have ensured that the Courier continues to play a vital role in the success of African Americans in the region.”
Doss was recognized during PNA’s annual General Membership Meeting on Nov. 16. The award will be presented to him at a later date.
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