Distinguished Service Awards

The Iowa Newspaper Association annually honors deserving individuals with two prestigious awards: the Master Editor-Publisher award and the Distinguished Service Award. Both awards are presented to recipients during the association’s annual convention in February.

Recipients were announced February 5 at the 2026 INA Awards Ceremony.

Each year’s honorees are selected by past recipients of the awards.

Distinguished Service Award recipients are long-time journalists honored for their contributions to the newspaper profession and to their communities. DSA recipients can be any member of the newspaper staff, including but not limited to advertising directors, circulation managers, back shop superintendents and press operators, as well as news and sports editors, publishers and business managers.

Criteria include:

1. The nominee must be an employee or former employee of an Iowa newspaper or associated with a university, college or newspaper association having close ties with Iowa newspapers;
2. The nominee shall have contributed greatly to his or her newspaper, and to his or her community and/or the newspaper industry in general;
3. Longevity should have little effect on the nominee’s qualifications.
4. Individuals who have received the INA’s Master Editor-Publisher award are not eligible to win the Distinguished Service Award. (Rule enacted in 2012)

2026 Recipients

Barb Arland-Fye
Davenport Catholic Messenger

Barb Arland-Fye is being recognized not only for her professionalism and journalistic skill, but also for her integrity and unwavering commitment to the truth.

She is a journalist of uncommon grace and grit, who has led her
newspaper with distinction—navigating the rapidly changing media landscape with creativity and clarity. Under her editorial leadership, the paper has consistently delivered high-quality, compelling coverage of the news and issues that matter most to the community. She brings to her work a keen intellect and a remarkable ability to tell stories that form consciences, foster dialogue, and strengthen the common good.

What truly sets Arland-Fye apart is her ability to unite the highest standards of journalism with a deep sense of mission. She has elevated her publication far beyond the role of an internal Church newsletter, positioning it as a trusted, independent voice that contributes meaningfully to public discourse across Iowa. Whether covering local
events or addressing matters of national significance, she approaches every story with fairness, thoughtfulness, and compassion.

Beyond the newsroom, our recipient is an engaged community
member—committed to justice, inclusion, and service. Her reporting reflects a profound respect for people on the margins and a constant effort to highlight the dignity of every person. As editor, she has mentored younger writers, fostered collaboration across publications, and upheld the values that sustain trust in journalism.

Download The Nomination Form

Electronic Form